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Morton neuroma: evaluation with MR imaging performed with contrast enhancement and fat suppression
M R Terk1, P K Kwong, M Suthar
1Department of Radiology, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles County/USC Imaging Science Center 90033.
Purpose:
To evaluate clinically suspected Morton neuroma with contrast material-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) images.
Materials And Methods:
Fifteen patients with clinically suspected Morton neuroma underwent examination with conventional T1- and T2-weighted MR imaging and a combination of fat suppression and administration of gadopentetate dimeglumine. A T1-weighted spectral presaturation with inversion recovery sequence was used for fat suppression.
Results:
In six patients, a tumor that conformed to the clinical findings was seen in the interdigital space; surgical findings in these patients correlated closely with the imaging findings in all patients. Patients without positive findings on MR images tended to have less typical clinical findings and received nonsurgical treatment. In all patients, the lesions were best depicted with the combination of contrast-enhanced imaging and fat suppression; conventional MR images either entirely failed to demonstrate the lesions or demonstrated the lesions less clearly.
Conclusion:
In patients who need imaging confirmation of a clinically suspected Morton neuroma, the combination of fat suppression and contrast enhancement provides reliable high-contrast images.
Insights
Contrast-enhanced MRI with fat suppression reliably diagnoses Morton neuroma. This technique provides clear images for suspected cases, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for this foot condition.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Morton neuroma is a common cause of forefoot pain.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for diagnosing clinically suspected Morton neuroma.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen patients with suspected Morton neuroma underwent MR imaging.
- Techniques included conventional T1/T2-weighted imaging, fat suppression, and gadolinium contrast administration.
- A T1-weighted spectral presaturation with inversion recovery sequence was used for fat suppression.
Main Results:
- Six patients showed Morton neuroma on MR imaging, correlating with surgical findings.
- Conventional MR imaging was less effective in visualizing the lesions.
- Contrast-enhanced MR imaging with fat suppression provided superior visualization of Morton neuroma.
Conclusions:
- Contrast-enhanced MR imaging combined with fat suppression is a reliable method for diagnosing Morton neuroma.
- This technique offers high-contrast images, improving diagnostic accuracy.