Top-Ten Tips for Imaging the Brachial Plexus with Ultrasound and MRI

AbstractWhen it comes to examining the brachial plexus, ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are complementary investigations. US is well placed for screening most extraforaminal pathologies, whereas MRI is more sensitive and accurate for specific clinical indications. For example, MRI is probably the preferred technique for assessment of trauma because it enables a thorough evaluation of both the intraspinal and extraspinal elements, although US can depict extraforaminal neural injury with a high level of accuracy. Conversely, US is probably the preferred technique for examination of neurologic amyotrophy because a more extensive involvement beyond the brachial plexus is the norm, although MRI is more sensitive than US for evaluating muscle denervation associated with this entity. With this synergy in mind, this review highlights the tips for examining the brachial plexus with US and MRI.

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Effectiveness of low-field magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing brachial plexus tumours in dogs – short communication

Bulletin of the Veterinary Institute in Pulawy ◽

10.1515/bvip-2015-0046 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 59 (2) ◽

pp. 317-319

Author(s):

Zbigniew Adamiak ◽

Yauheni Zhalniarovich ◽

Paulina Przyborowska ◽

Joanna Głodek ◽

Adam Przeworski

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Brachial Plexus ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Gadolinium Contrast ◽

Gadolinium Contrast Agent ◽

Low Field ◽

Mri Sequences ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

Brachial Plexus Tumours

AbstractThe aim of the study was to identify magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences that contribute to a quick and reliable diagnosis of brachial plexus tumours in dogs. The tumours were successfully diagnosed in 6 dogs by the MRI with the use of SE, FSE, STIR, Turbo 3 D, 3D HYCE, and GE sequences and the gadolinium contrast agent

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Can plexus depth be estimated? An anatomical analysis related to the vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus block (VIB) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine ◽

10.1016/s1098-7339(03)00306-7 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 28 ◽

pp. 10

Author(s):

P CORNISH

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Brachial Plexus ◽

Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Anatomical Analysis ◽

Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

Plexus Block

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The Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Management of Traction Injuries to the Adult Brachial Plexus

Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) ◽

10.1054/jhsb.1999.0234 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 24 (5) ◽

pp. 550-555 ◽

Cited By ~ 60

Author(s):

T. E. J. HEMS ◽

R. BIRCH ◽

T. CARLSTEDT

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Cervical Spine ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Brachial Plexus ◽

Spinal Canal ◽

Root Avulsion ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Additional Information ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine and brachial plexus was performed on 26 consecutive patients presenting with traction injuries of the brachial plexus during 1996 and 1997. These included T1 and T2 weighted coronal, sagittal and axial images of the cervical spine and coronal images of the brachial plexus. The results were compared with surgical findings, intraoperative neurophysiology, and subsequent clinical progress. Operations for exploration and repair have been performed in 23 and 26 patients scanned. Evidence of root avulsion was seen in 11 patients in the form of displacement or oedema of the spinal cord, haemorrhage or scarring within the spinal canal, absence of roots in the intervertebral foramena, and meningoceles. Characteristic abnormalities were evident in the MR scans of all cases where exploration confirmed some root avulsions. There were no false positives. MRI underestimated the number of individual roots avulsed; sensitivity was 81%. Post-ganglionic lesions were seen as swelling on T1 images associated with increasing signal on T2 images. It was usually possible to define the level of the injury within the plexus. This study suggests that MR imaging, performed early after traction injury to the brachial plexus, provides useful additional information towards establishing the level of the lesion. It also provides information about injury to the plexus outside the spinal canal.

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Can plexus depth be estimated? An anatomical analysis related to the vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus block (VIB) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine ◽

10.1097/00115550-200309001-00018 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 28 (Sup 1) ◽

pp. 10 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

P B Cornish

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Brachial Plexus ◽

Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Anatomical Analysis ◽

Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽

Plexus Block

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Value of ultrasound in the anatomical evaluation of the brachial plexus: correlation with magnetic resonance imaging

Radiologia Brasileira ◽

10.1590/0100-3984.2017.0083 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 51 (6) ◽

pp. 358-365 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Wanda Chiyoko Iwakami Caldana ◽

Sergio Keidi Kodaira ◽

Conrado Furtado de Albuquerque Cavalcanti ◽

Marcelo Bordalo Rodrigues ◽

Osmar de Cassio Saito ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Brachial Plexus ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Nerve Roots ◽

Cervical Nerve ◽

High Level ◽

Level Of Agreement ◽

Cervical Nerve Roots ◽

Trunk Segments

Abstract Objective: To assess the accuracy of ultrasound in the visualization of the brachial plexus and to determine the value of the method in comparison with that of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods: This was an anatomical study of the brachial plexuses of 20 asymptomatic adults (40 plexuses), comparing ultrasound and MRI in terms of their accuracy. In the ultrasound study, a high-frequency linear transducer was used, and a neurovascular coil was used in the MRI study. To estimate the frequency of visualization, the brachial plexus was divided into segments. Results: The cervical nerve roots, the upper trunk, and the middle trunk were the segments that were best visualized on ultrasound. On MRI, the degree of visualization was excellent for most of the segments. In the comparison between ultrasound and MRI, the C6, C7, upper trunk, and middle trunk segments showed equivalent degrees of visualization, with a high level of agreement between the two methods. Conclusion: In the brachial plexus, ultrasound can be used in the assessment of the cervical nerve roots, as well as of the upper and middle trunks, although it provides limited visualization of the remaining segments. Ultrasound and MRI showed a high level of agreement for the visualization of the C6, C7, and middle trunk segments.

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