Imaging of pain in the peripheral nerves

Abstract

The role in the assessment of the status of the plexus and peripheral nerves was traditionally yielded to the clinical evaluation and electrophysiological studies for a long time. High-resolution Magnetic Resonance nerve imaging (MR Neurography) has emerged as one of the most complete tools for the recognition of the anatomy and to categorize the abnormalities of the peripheral nervous system. Nowadays, Magnetic Resonance Neurography (MRN) with extended anatomical coverage is possible, improving the ability to discern between focal and nonfocal neuropathies. The aim of this chapter is to discuss the technical parameters of MRN, the anatomy of the brachial, lumbosacral plexus and the peripheral nerves, and the applications of MRN in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies and plexopathies. Additionally, the MRN features of the relevant causes (focal and diffuse neuropathies, vascular, traumatic, entrapment, and inflammatory radiation-induced and neoplastic diseases) are presented through illustrative cases.