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Graesser EA, Parsons MS, Dy CJ, Brogan DM. Advances in Imaging of Compressive Neuropathies. Hand Clin 2024; 40:325-336. [PMID: 38972677 DOI: 10.1016/j.hcl.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Ultrasound and magnetic resonance neurography are useful modalities to aid in the assessment of compressive neuropathies, although they are still limited in their resolution of nerve microstructure and their capacity to monitor postoperative nerve recovery. Optical coherence tomography, a preclinical imaging modality, is promising in its ability to better identify structural and potential physiologic changes to peripheral nerves, but requires additional testing and research prior to widespread clinical implementation. Further advances in nerve imaging may elucidate the ability to visualize the zone of nerve injury intraoperatively, monitor the progression of nerve regeneration, and localize problems during nerve recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Graesser
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Matthew S Parsons
- Division of Diagnostic Radiology, Section of Neuroradiology, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 510 South Kingshighway Boulevard, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Christopher J Dy
- Division of Hand and Microsurgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David M Brogan
- Division of Hand and Microsurgery, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Telleman JA, Sneag DB, Visser LH. The role of imaging in focal neuropathies. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 201:19-42. [PMID: 38697740 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-90108-6.00001-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Electrodiagnostic testing (EDX) has been the diagnostic tool of choice in peripheral nerve disease for many years, but in recent years, peripheral nerve imaging has been used ever more frequently in daily clinical practice. Nerve ultrasound and magnetic resonance (MR) neurography are able to visualize nerve structures reliably. These techniques can aid in localizing nerve pathology and can reveal significant anatomical abnormalities underlying nerve pathology that may have been otherwise undetected by EDX. As such, nerve ultrasound and MR neurography can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and can have a significant effect on treatment strategy. In this chapter, the basic principles and recent developments of these techniques will be discussed, as well as their potential application in several types of peripheral nerve disease, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE), radial neuropathy, brachial and lumbosacral plexopathy, neuralgic amyotrophy (NA), fibular, tibial, sciatic, femoral neuropathy, meralgia paresthetica, peripheral nerve trauma, tumors, and inflammatory neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan A Telleman
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Darryl B Sneag
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY, United States
| | - Leo H Visser
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
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Drăghici NC, Văcăraș V, Bolchis R, Bashimov A, Domnița DM, Iluț S, Popa LL, Lupescu TD, Mureșanu DF. Diagnostic Approach to Lower Limb Entrapment Neuropathies: A Narrative Literature Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3385. [PMID: 37958280 PMCID: PMC10647627 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13213385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Entrapment neuropathies of the lower limb are a misunderstood and underdiagnosed group of disorders, characterized by pain and dysesthesia, muscular weakness, and specific provoking movements on physical examination. The most frequent of these syndromes encountered in clinical practice are fibular nerve entrapment, proximal tibial neuropathy, sural nerve neuropathy, deep gluteal syndrome or sciatic nerve entrapment, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment, also known as meralgia paresthetica. These are commonly mistaken for lumbar plexopathies, radiculopathies, and musculotendinous diseases, which appear even more frequently and have overlapping clinical presentations. A comprehensive anamnesis, physical examination, and electrodiagnostic studies should help clarify the diagnosis. If the diagnosis is still unclear or a secondary cause of entrapment is suspected, magnetic resonance neurography, MRI, or ultrasonography should be conducted to clarify the etiology, rule out other diseases, and confirm the diagnosis. The aim of this narrative review was to help clinicians gain familiarity with this disease, with an increase in diagnostic confidence, leading to early diagnosis of nerve damage and prevention of muscle atrophy. We reviewed the epidemiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, etiology, clinical presentation, and EDX technique and interpretation of the entrapment neuropathies of the lower limb, using articles published from 1970 to 2022 included in the Pubmed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicu Cătălin Drăghici
- “IMOGEN” Institute, Centre of Advanced Research Studies, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- “RoNeuro” Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, 400364 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (S.I.); (L.L.P.)
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vitalie Văcăraș
- “RoNeuro” Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, 400364 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (S.I.); (L.L.P.)
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Roxana Bolchis
- Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (R.B.)
| | - Atamyrat Bashimov
- Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (R.B.)
| | - Diana Maria Domnița
- Faculty of Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (R.B.)
| | - Silvina Iluț
- “RoNeuro” Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, 400364 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (S.I.); (L.L.P.)
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Livia Livinț Popa
- “RoNeuro” Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, 400364 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (S.I.); (L.L.P.)
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Tudor Dimitrie Lupescu
- “RoNeuro” Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, 400364 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (S.I.); (L.L.P.)
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Dafin Fior Mureșanu
- “RoNeuro” Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, 400364 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (S.I.); (L.L.P.)
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Amrami KK, Khanna A, Frick MA, Spinner RJ. Imaging Peripheral Nerve Injuries of the Lower Extremities: What Surgeons Need to Know. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2023. [DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
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Ku V, Cox C, Mikeska A, MacKay B. Magnetic Resonance Neurography for Evaluation of Peripheral Nerves. J Brachial Plex Peripher Nerve Inj 2021; 16:e17-e23. [PMID: 34007307 PMCID: PMC8121558 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) continue to present both diagnostic and treatment challenges. While nerve transections are typically a straightforward diagnosis, other types of PNIs, such as chronic or traumatic nerve compression, may be more difficult to evaluate due to their varied presentation and limitations of current diagnostic tools. As a result, diagnosis may be delayed, and these patients may go on to develop progressive symptoms, impeding normal activity. In the past, PNIs were diagnosed by history and clinical examination alone or techniques that raised concerns regarding accuracy, invasiveness, or operator dependency. Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) has been increasingly utilized in clinical settings due to its ability to visualize complex nerve structures along their entire pathway and distinguish nerves from surrounding vasculature and tissue in a noninvasive manner. In this review, we discuss the clinical applications of MRN in the diagnosis, as well as pre- and postsurgical assessments of patients with peripheral neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Ku
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States
| | - Cameron Cox
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States
| | - Andrew Mikeska
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States
| | - Brendan MacKay
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University Medical Center, Lubbock, Texas, United States
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Ultrasound facilitates the diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome: intraneural ganglion cyst of the tibial nerve. J Ultrasound 2018; 22:95-98. [PMID: 30019288 DOI: 10.1007/s40477-018-0314-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tibial nerve intraneural ganglion cyst-which presents with fluid accumulated inside the nerve epineurium-is a rare etiology of tarsal tunnel syndrome. We report a case with insidious onset of numbness over his left medial ankle. Ultrasound imaging revealed that the tibial nerve was encircled by crescent-shaped anechoic substances, spanning from the distal leg to the sole. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a thickened tibial nerve wrapped by hyperintense materials in the tarsal tunnel. Some effusion was observed besides the tibialis posterior and flexor digitorum tendons as well. The patient underwent a surgical treatment and an intraneural ganglion cyst was confirmed. This report elaborated the clinical and imaging presentations of a tibial nerve intraneural ganglion cyst and highlighted the usefulness of ultrasound in exploring the cause of compressive neuropathy at the ankle region.
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Silveira CRS, Vieira CGM, Pereira BM, Pinto Neto LH, Chhabra A. Cystic degeneration of the tibial nerve: magnetic resonance neurography and sonography appearances of an intraneural ganglion cyst. Skeletal Radiol 2017; 46:1763-1767. [PMID: 28821925 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-017-2753-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Extra- and intraneural ganglion cysts have been described in the literature. The tibial nerve ganglion is uncommon and its occurrence without intra-articular extension is atypical. The pathogenesis of cystic degeneration localized to connective and perineural tissue secondary to chronic mechanical irritation or idiopathic mucoid degeneration is hypothesized. Since the above pathology is extremely rare and the magnetic resonance imaging examination detects the defining characteristics of the intrinsic alterations of the tibial nerve, the authors illustrate such a case of tibial intaneural ganglion cyst with its magnetic resonance neurography and sonography appearances.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Avneesh Chhabra
- Radiology & Orthopaedic Surgery, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
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Nacey NC, Geeslin MG, Miller GW, Pierce JL. Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee: An overview and update of conventional and state of the art imaging. J Magn Reson Imaging 2017; 45:1257-1275. [PMID: 28211591 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.25620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become the preferred modality for imaging the knee to show pathology and guide patient management and treatment. The knee is one of the most frequently injured joints, and knee pain is a pervasive difficulty that can affect all age groups. Due to the diverse pathology, complex anatomy, and a myriad of injury mechanisms of the knee, the MRI knee protocol and sequences should ensure detection of both soft tissue and osseous structures in detail and with accuracy. The knowledge of knee anatomy and the normal or injured MRI appearance of these key structures are critical for precise diagnosis. Advances in MRI technology provide the imaging necessary to obtain high-resolution images to evaluate menisci, ligaments, and tendons. Furthermore, recent advances in MRI techniques allow for improved imaging in the postoperative knee and metal artifact reduction, tumor imaging, cartilage evaluation, and visualization of nerves. As treatment and operative management techniques evolve, understanding the correct application of these advancements in MRI of the knee will prove to be valuable to clinical practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 5 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1257-1275.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C Nacey
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Matthew G Geeslin
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Grady Wilson Miller
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Jennifer L Pierce
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Gimber LH, Hardy JC, Melville DM, Scalcione LR, Rowan A, Taljanovic MS. Normal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Anatomy of the Capsular Ligamentous Supporting Structures of the Knee. Can Assoc Radiol J 2016; 67:356-367. [PMID: 27221698 DOI: 10.1016/j.carj.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recognition of the normal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging appearances of the capsular ligaments of the knee is of great importance. These ligaments contribute to stability of the knee joint and are frequently injured. In this article, we describe the normal MR imaging anatomy of the capsular ligaments of the knee including the lateral and medial collateral ligamentous complexes, the extensor mechanism, and the supporting ligamentous structures of the proximal tibiofibular joint. Normal MR imaging findings and important anatomic variants of the neurovascular structures of the knee are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana H Gimber
- Department of Medical Imaging, The University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Banner-University Medical Center, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
| | - Jolene C Hardy
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Banner-University Medical Center, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - David M Melville
- Department of Medical Imaging, The University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Banner-University Medical Center, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Luke R Scalcione
- Department of Medical Imaging, The University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Banner-University Medical Center, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Andrew Rowan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Banner-University Medical Center, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Mihra S Taljanovic
- Department of Medical Imaging, The University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Banner-University Medical Center, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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Tagliafico AS, Tagliafico G. Fascicular ratio: a new parameter to evaluate peripheral nerve pathology on magnetic resonance imaging: a feasibility study on a 3T MRI system. Medicine (Baltimore) 2014; 93:e68. [PMID: 25255018 PMCID: PMC4616287 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the study was to define and quantitatively evaluate the fascicular ratio (FR) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with peripheral neuropathies compared with healthy controls. Forty control subjects (20 women, 20 men; age, 44.6 ± 13.4 years) and 40 patients with peripheral neuropathy (22 women, 18 men; age, 50.3 ± 10.2 years) were examined with a standard 3T MRI protocol. With customized software (with semiautomatic and automatic interface), the hypointense and hyperintense areas of the peripheral nerves corresponding to fascicular and nonfascicular tissue were examined on T1-weighted sequences. The ratio of fascicular pixels to total pixels was called FR. Correlation with FR calculated on high-resolution ultrasound was performed. The statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney U test of controls versus patients, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, and the subgroup analysis of patients according to etiologies of neuropathy. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement was calculated based on the evaluation made by 3 readers. Finally, a complete automatic evaluation was performed. On MRI, FRs were significantly increased in patients compared with controls (FR, 76.7 ± 15.1 vs 56 ± 12.3; P < 0.0001 for the semiautomatic interface; and FR 66.3 ± 17.5 vs 47.8 ± 18.4; P < 0.0001 for the automatic interface). The increase in FR was caused mainly by an increase in the hypointense part of the nerve. This observation was valid for all causes of neuropathies. ROC analysis found an area under the curve of 0.75 (95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.81) for FR to discriminate neuropathy from control. The correlation coefficient between MRI and ultrasound was significant (r = 0.49; 95% confidence interval for r, 0.21-0.70; P = 0.012). With the semiautomated evaluation, the mean intraobserver agreement was good (K = 0.86). The interobserver agreements were also good (reader 1 vs reader 2, k = 0.71; reader 2 vs reader 3, k = 0.78; reader 3 vs reader 1, k = 0.71). There were no statistically significant differences between the results obtained using the 2 methods. FR calculation on MRI is feasible, and it may be used in adjunct to standard MRI evaluation in peripheral nerve disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto S Tagliafico
- Institute of Anatomy, Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa (AST); and CNR-IMATI, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Matematica Applicata e Tecnologie Informatiche, Genova, Italy (GT)
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Abstract
The magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) examination is rapidly becoming a part of the diagnostic algorithm of patients with peripheral neuropathy; however, because of the technical demands and the lack of required reading skills, the examination is relatively underutilized and is currently limited to a few tertiary care centers. The radiologists with interest in peripheral nerve imaging should be able to perform and interpret this examination to exploit its potential for widespread use. This article outlines the systematic, stepwise approach to its interpretation and a brief discussion of the imaging pitfalls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avneesh Chhabra
- The University of Texas Southwestern, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX-75390-9178, USA.
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