Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2014
ReviewMagnetic resonance neurography: diffusion tensor imaging and future directions.
Magnetic resonance (MR) neurography has progressed in the past 2 decades because of rapid technological developments in both hardware and software. In addition to improvements in high-resolution anatomic pulse sequences, functional techniques are becoming feasible. This article presents the current state-of-the-art three-dimensional anatomic techniques, discusses the advantages of functional techniques being exploited, and portrays novel contrast types and molecular techniques that are under development and promise a bright future for this rapidly evolving technique.
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Continuous improvements in magnetic resonance scanner, coil, and pulse sequence technology have resulted in the ability to perform routine, high-quality imaging of the brachial plexus. With knowledge of the anatomy of the plexus, and a familiarity with common pathologic conditions affecting this area, radiologists can provide valuable imaging evaluation of patients with brachial plexus pathologies.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2014
ReviewMagnetic resonance neurography: technical considerations.
Proper performance of magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) is essential not only to make the examination easier to interpret but also for its accurate evaluation. This article outlines the technical considerations of MRN, various imaging pulse sequences available on current scanners, as well as their relative advantages and disadvantages. In addition, a guide to the optimal use of high-resolution and high-contrast MRN technique is provided, which will aid clinicians in attaining a good-quality examination.
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Peripheral nerve surgery represents a broad field of pathologic conditions, medical specialties, and anatomic regions of the body. Anatomic understanding of hierarchical nerve structure and the peripheral nervous system aids diagnosis and management of nerve lesions. ⋯ Individual or groups of nerves may be affected by various pathologic conditions, including trauma, entrapment, tumor, or iatrogenic damage. Current research efforts focus on enhancing the peripheral nerve regenerative process by targeting Schwann cells, nerve growth factors, and nerve allografts.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Feb 2014
ReviewMagnetic resonance neurography of peripheral nerve tumors and tumorlike conditions.
Peripheral nerve enlargement may be seen in multiple conditions including hereditary or inflammatory neuropathies, sporadic or syndromic peripheral nerve sheath tumors, perineurioma, posttraumatic neuroma, and intraneural ganglion. Malignancies such as neurolymphoma, intraneural metastases, or sarcomas may also affect the peripheral nervous system and result in nerve enlargement. The imaging appearance and differentiating factors become especially relevant in the setting of tumor syndromes such as neurofibromatosis type 1, neurofibromatosis type 2, and schwannomatosis. This article reviews the typical magnetic resonance neurography imaging appearances of neurogenic as well as nonneurogenic neoplasms and tumorlike lesions of peripheral nerves, with emphasis on distinguishing factors.