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Caglar S, Ozyemisci-Taskiran O. Evaluation of the Interrater Reliability of Sonographic Measurements of Muscle Thickness of 38 Piriformis Muscles in 19 Patients with Piriformis Syndrome. Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e943720. [PMID: 38616430 PMCID: PMC11027579 DOI: 10.12659/msm.943720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The piriformis muscle is a flat superficial muscle of the deep gluteal muscles that externally rotates the hip. Ultrasound is widely used to identify the piriformis muscle, especially for guidance of the needle during injections; however, its diagnostic use has recently gained popularity. The operator-dependent nature of ultrasound requires demonstration of reliability between operators. This study aimed to evaluate interrater reliability of sonographic measurements of muscle thickness of 38 piriformis muscles in 19 patients with piriformis syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS An ultrasound transducer was placed transversely on the sacral spinous process and moved caudo-laterally until the piriformis muscle was visualized under the gluteus maximus while patients were lying in prone position. The thickness of piriformis muscle was measured with a 2 to 5-MHz broadband curvilinear transducer in 3 regions (thickest regions of muscle over the ilium, near the greater trochanter, and near the sacrum). The interrater reliability of measurements of 2 examiners who were blinded to each other's measurements was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS In total, 114 samples from 38 piriformis muscles of 19 patients with a diagnosis of piriformis syndrome were evaluated by 2 raters in this study. The median (interquartile range) patient age was 41 (15) years. Intraclass correlation coefficient value for overall thickness measurements of piriformis muscle was 0.836. Intraclass correlation coefficient values for 3 different regions were over the ilium, near the greater trochanter, and near the sacrum were 0.777, 0.883, and 0.811, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound measurement of piriformis muscle thickness has good interrater reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibel Caglar
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Bakirkoy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozden Ozyemisci-Taskiran
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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Jung JY, Lin Y, Carrino JA. An Updated Review of Magnetic Resonance Neurography for Plexus Imaging. Korean J Radiol 2023; 24:1114-1130. [PMID: 37899521 PMCID: PMC10613850 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2023.0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) is increasingly used to visualize peripheral nerves in vivo. However, the implementation and interpretation of MRN in the brachial and lumbosacral plexi are challenging because of the anatomical complexity and technical limitations. The purpose of this article was to review the clinical context of MRN, describe advanced magnetic resonance (MR) techniques for plexus imaging, and list the general categories of utility of MRN with pertinent imaging examples. The selection and optimization of MR sequences are centered on the homogeneous suppression of fat and blood vessels while enhancing the visibility of the plexus and its branches. Standard 2D fast spin-echo sequences are essential to assess morphology and signal intensity of nerves. Moreover, nerve-selective 3D isotropic images allow improved visualization of nerves and multiplanar reconstruction along their course. Diffusion-weighted and diffusion-tensor images offer microscopic and functional insights into peripheral nerves. The interpretation of MRN in the brachial and lumbosacral plexi should be based on a thorough understanding of their anatomy and pathophysiology. Anatomical landmarks assist in identifying brachial and lumbosacral plexus components of interest. Thus, understanding the varying patterns of nerve abnormalities facilitates the interpretation of aberrant findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon-Yong Jung
- Department of Radiology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yenpo Lin
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - John A Carrino
- Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Bharadwaj UU, Varenika V, Carson W, Villanueva-Meyer J, Ammanuel S, Bucknor M, Robbins NM, Douglas V, Chin CT. Variant Sciatic Nerve Anatomy in Relation to the Piriformis Muscle on Magnetic Resonance Neurography: A Potential Etiology for Extraspinal Sciatica. Tomography 2023; 9:475-484. [PMID: 36960998 PMCID: PMC10037619 DOI: 10.3390/tomography9020039] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence and clinical implications of variant sciatic nerve anatomy in relation to the piriformis muscle on magnetic resonance neurography (MRN), in patients with lumbosacral neuropathic symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective single-center study, 254 sciatic nerves, from 127 patients with clinical and imaging findings compatible with extra-spinal sciatica on MRN between 2003 and 2013, were evaluated for the presence and type of variant sciatic nerves, split sciatic nerve, abnormal T2-signal hyperintensity, asymmetric piriformis size and increased nerve caliber, and summarized using descriptive statistics. Two-tailed chi-square tests were performed to compare the anatomical variant type and clinical symptoms between imaging and clinical characteristics. RESULTS Sixty-four variant sciatic nerves were identified with an equal number of right and left variants. Bilateral variants were noted in 15 cases. Abnormal T2-signal hyperintensity was seen significantly more often in variant compared to conventional anatomy (40/64 vs. 82/190; p = 0.01). A sciatic nerve split was seen significantly more often in variant compared to conventional anatomy (56/64 vs. 20/190; p < 0.0001). Increased nerve caliber, abnormal T2-signal hyperintensity, and asymmetric piriformis size were significantly associated with the clinically symptomatic side compared to the asymptomatic side (98:2, 98:2, and 97:3, respectively; p < 0.0001 for all). Clinical symptoms were correlated with variant compared to conventional sciatic nerve anatomy (64% vs. 46%; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION Variant sciatic nerve anatomy, in relation to the piriformis muscle, is frequently identified with MRN and is more likely to be associated with nerve signal changes and symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upasana Upadhyay Bharadwaj
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Vanja Varenika
- RadNet Northern California, RadNet Imaging Centers, San Francisco, CA 90815, USA
| | | | - Javier Villanueva-Meyer
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Simon Ammanuel
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Matthew Bucknor
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Nathaniel M Robbins
- Department of Neurology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Vanja Douglas
- Department of Neurology, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Cynthia T Chin
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Kim SG, Jung JY. Role of MR Neurography for Evaluation of the Lumbosacral Plexus: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF RADIOLOGY 2022; 83:1273-1285. [PMID: 36545407 PMCID: PMC9748467 DOI: 10.3348/jksr.2022.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose MR neurography (MRN) is an imaging technique optimized to visualize the peripheral nerves. This review aimed to discover an optimized protocol for MRN of the lumbosacral plexus (LSP) and identify evidence for the clinical benefit of lumbosacral plexopathies. Materials and Methods We performed a systematic search of the two medical databases until September 2021. 'Magnetic resonance imaging', 'lumbosacral plexus', 'neurologic disease', or equivalent terms were used to search the literature. We extracted information on indications, MRN protocols for LSP, and clinical efficacy from 55 studies among those searched. Results MRN of the LSP is useful for displaying the distribution of peripheral nerve disease, guiding perineural injections, and assessing extraspinal causes of sciatica. Three-dimensional short-tau inversion recovery turbo spin-echo combined with vascular suppression is the mainstay of MRN. Conclusion Future work on the MRN of LSP should be directed to technical maturation and clinical validation of efficacy.
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Boulter DJ, Job J, Shah LM, Wessell DE, Lenchik L, Parsons MS, Agarwal V, Appel M, Burns J, Hutchins TA, Kendi AT, Khan MA, Liebeskind DS, Moritani T, Ortiz AO, Shah VN, Singh S, Than KD, Timpone VM, Beaman FD, Corey AS. ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Plexopathy: 2021 Update. J Am Coll Radiol 2021; 18:S423-S441. [PMID: 34794598 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2021.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Plexopathy may be caused by diverse pathologies, including trauma, nerve entrapment, neoplasm, inflammation, infection, autoimmune disease, hereditary disease, and idiopathic etiologies. For patients presenting with brachial or lumbosacral plexopathy, dedicated plexus MRI is the most appropriate initial imaging modality for all clinical scenarios and can identify processes both intrinsic and extrinsic to the nerves. Other imaging tests may be appropriate for initial imaging depending on the clinical scenario. This document addresses initial imaging strategies for brachial and lumbosacral plexopathy in the following clinical situations: nontraumatic plexopathy with no known malignancy, traumatic plexopathy (not perinatal), and plexopathy occurring in the context of a known malignancy or posttreatment syndrome. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Boulter
- Clinical Director of MRI, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.
| | - Joici Job
- Research Author, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Lubdha M Shah
- Panel Chair, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | | | - Leon Lenchik
- Panel Vice-Chair, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| | - Matthew S Parsons
- Panel Vice-Chair, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Vikas Agarwal
- Vice Chair of Education, Chief, Neuroradiology, and Director, Spine Intervention, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Marc Appel
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York; American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
| | - Judah Burns
- Program Director, Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Troy A Hutchins
- Chief Value Officer for Radiology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | | | - Majid A Khan
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - David S Liebeskind
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; President, SVIN; and American Academy of Neurology
| | | | - A Orlando Ortiz
- Chairman, Department of Radiology, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Vinil N Shah
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; and Executive Committee, American Society of Spine Radiology
| | - Simranjit Singh
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Secretary, SHM, Indiana Chapter; Secretary, SGIM, Midwest Region; and American College of Physicians
| | - Khoi D Than
- Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Neurosurgery expert
| | - Vincent M Timpone
- Co-Director, Neuroradiology Spine Intervention Service, Department of Radiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | - Amanda S Corey
- Specialty Chair, Atlanta VA Health Care System and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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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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Orebaugh S, Carullo P, Gray A. Sciatic nerve blocks: more proximal may not mean more complete. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2019; 45:320. [PMID: 31541006 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2019-100957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Orebaugh
- Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Philip Carullo
- Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew Gray
- San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, USA.,Anesthesiology, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
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Bartret AL, Beaulieu CF, Lutz AM. Is it painful to be different? Sciatic nerve anatomical variants on MRI and their relationship to piriformis syndrome. Eur Radiol 2018; 28:4681-4686. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-018-5447-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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