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Neuroimaging abnormalities with hypoglossal nerve palsies
T T Batchelor1, G S Krol, L M DeAngelis
1Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Summary
Unilateral hypoglossal nerve lesions can cause tongue swelling and T2-weighted MRI signal changes, mimicking a mass. These imaging findings reflect muscle denervation and nerve injury in acute paralysis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Unilateral hypoglossal nerve lesions affect tongue function.
- Accurate diagnosis of tongue abnormalities is crucial.
Observation:
- Seven patients with acute/chronic unilateral hypoglossal nerve lesions were assessed using MRI and CT.
- Acute to subacute paralysis presented with ipsilateral tongue base expansion.
Findings:
- T2-weighted MRI revealed increased signal intensity in the affected tongue base.
- Radiographic findings suggested an infiltrative mass lesion.
Implications:
- Imaging findings are attributed to the pathophysiology of nerve injury and muscle denervation.
- Understanding these changes aids in diagnosing hypoglossal nerve lesions.