Utility of High-Resolution 3 T MR Neurography in Peripheral Nerve Pathologies

Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) allows for the direct visualization of nerves, which can be instrumental in diagnosing, characterizing, and localizing peripheral nerve disorders. We planned to conduct a study on the patients of peripheral nerve injuries who were referred for MRN and to compare the findings of MRN to those of nerve conduction studies (NCS) on various focal nerve disorders.

This prospective study was conducted over 1½ years, involving 58 subjects with clinically diagnosed focal peripheral nerve pathologies who were referred for MRN to the Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging. The range of focal peripheral nerve pathologies detected using MRN was correlated and compared to NCS and/or electromyography results, as well as to surgical and/or histopathological results, wherever available. The Chi-squared (χ²) test and Fisher's exact test were used to evaluate the association between MRN and NCS outcomes.

The study identified a broad spectrum of peripheral nerve pathologies. Out of 58 subjects, abnormalities were found in 52 (89.6%) subjects, whereas six patients (10.3%) did not show any significant abnormalities. Fifty patients (86.3%) showed abnormalities on both MRN and NCS, while five patients (8.6%) did not show any abnormalities on either MRN or NCS. Two patients (3.4%) showed abnormalities on MRN but had normal NCS results, and in one case (1.7%), MRN was normal but NCS showed an abnormality. Out of the 58 MRN examinations, 25 were found to have brachial plexus involvement.

MRN is a highly sensitive tool for evaluating peripheral nerve pathologies. Its correlation with NCS and intraoperative findings further supports its clinical utility. The 3 T MRN should be considered a key imaging modality in the diagnostic process for peripheral nerve pathologies. In addition, it serves as a valuable guide for planning therapeutic interventions and assessing prognosis in various patient subsets.