Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging of peripheral nerves: Establishment and validation of brachial and lumbosacral plexi measurements in 163 healthy subjects. Issue 117 (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Su, Xiaoyun; Kong, Xiangquan; Liu, Dingxi; Kong, Xiangchuang; Alwalid, Osamah; Wang, Jing; Shu, Shenglei; Zheng, Chuansheng
• Is Part Of: European journal of radiology. Issue 117(2019)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 48
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: 3-D three-dimensional -- ADC apparent diffusion coefficient -- CE contrast-enhanced -- CR contrast ratio -- DRG dorsal root ganglion -- DTI diffusion tensor imaging -- FA fractional anisotropy -- LS lumbosacral -- MIP maximum intensity projection -- nT2 T2 nerve-muscle signal ratio -- SPACE sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using different flip-angle evolutions -- STIR short time inversion recovery -- TIRM turbo inversion recovery magnitude -- VIBE volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination; Magnetic resonance neurography -- Brachial plexus -- Lumbosacral plexus -- Contrast-enhanced -- Diffusion tensor imaging; Medical radiology -- Periodicals; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiologie médicale -- Périodiques; Medical radiology; Periodicals; 616.075705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2019.05.017
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0720-048X

Abstract

Highlights: Multimodal MR of the plexi act as a composite protocol for assessing peripheral nerve. Multi-parameters for the plexi were provided in a large group of healthy subjects. Providing normal variances in plexi would be used in detecting subtle abnormalities. Abstract: Purpose: This study aims to provide normal reference values for quantitative parameters for brachial and lumbosacral plexi on multimodal MRI. In addition, the parameter variations between the left and right sides, the individual nerve groups, genders and age groups were also evaluated. Materials and methods: Multimodal MRI was evaluated in 163 healthy subjects, who were randomly divided into three groups: brachial plexus, lumbosacral plexus and diffusion tensor imaging groups. Nerve diameters, contrast ratios, T2 nerve-muscle signal ratios (nT2), fractional anisotropy (FA) values and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) were measured in both plexi. Parametric tests and Pearson correlation for normally distributed data, and non-parametric tests and Spearman correlation for non-normally distributed data were used. Results: There were no significant differences in parameters between the left and right sides. The diameters of the C7, L4-S1, sciatic, and femoral nerve roots were larger in men than in women (P < 0.05). The nT2 in the brachial and lumbosacral plexi and the contrast ratio in the lumbosacral plexus were significantly higher in the elderly. The diameter of the S1 nerve root was smaller in the elderly. There were no significant differences between the individual nerve groups in contrast ratios and in brachial plexus nT2. A gradual increase in the nT2 from the top to the bottom was observed in the L4-S1 nerve roots (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study provides multi-parameter normative data for the brachial and lumbosacral plexi while considering differences between the two sides, the individual nerves, genders, and the ages.