Diffusion-weighted MR neurography of the brachial plexus: feasibility study.

Abstract

The University Medical Center Utrecht institutional review board approved this study, and informed consent was obtained from all subjects. The purpose of this study was to introduce and assess diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance (MR) neurography for imaging of the brachial plexus. DW MR neurographic images were displayed with a maximum intensity projection technique. DW MR neurography was evaluated in five healthy volunteers and five patients. DW MR neurography showed a long trajectory of the brachial plexus in all healthy volunteers. In all patients, DW MR neurography clearly showed the location of the disease. The proposed DW MR neurography technique can be used to obtain an overview image of the brachial plexus, with excellent conspicuity of the nerves and surrounding structures.