Accuracy of MR neurography in the diagnosis of brachial plexopathy

作者：Crim Julia^*; Ingalls Kevin

来源：European Journal of Radiology, 2017, 95: 24-27.

DOI：10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.07.012

• Brachial plexus
• Plexopathy
• MR neurography
• Parson-Turner
• Neuralgic amyotrophy

Objective: To assess the accuracy of MR neurography (MRN) for the diagnosis for brachial plexopathy.
Materials and methods: Forty-three 43 consecutive cases or MRN with electrodiagnostic study correlation were reviewed independently by 2 readers. Established diagnostic criteria were employed: increased signal intensity, enlargement, loss of fascicular pattern, perineural edema and enhancement after administration of gadolinium contrast. An additional 37 cases without electrodiagnostic correlation were included in a second portion of the study, which evaluated interobserver variability.
Results: The sensitivity of MRN ranged from 41.2% to 70.6%. Specificity was 97.7% to 100%. There was good interobserver agreement, with kappa value of 0.658. Odds ratio for agreement between observers at 3 T vs. 1.5 T was 1.30.
Conclusions: MRN of the brachial plexus showed only moderate sensitivity to brachial neuritis. Interobserver agreement was slightly higher at 3 T than at 1.5 T. MRN can be helpful in confirming an abnormal brachial plexus, but a normal MRN appearance of the plexus should not negate a clinical diagnosis.

• 出版日期2017-10