J Korean Soc Magn Reson Med.
2007 Dec;11(2):119-126.
Imaging of the Brachial Plexus
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Radiology, Dankook University Hospital, Korea. rad@chol.com
- 2Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Korea.
- 3Department of Radiology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Korea.
Abstract
- MR (magnetic resonance) imaging of the brachial plexus is challenging because of the complex and tangled anatomy of the brachial plexus and the multifariouness of pathologies that can put on it. Improvements in imaging techniques, including the availability of high resolution MR image systems and high channels multidetector computed tomography (CT), have led to more accurate diagnoses and improved serve for treatment planning. For the purpose of imaging and treatment of the brachioplexopathy, it is considerate to divide traumatic and nontraumatic diseases affecting the brachial plexus. MRI is the current gold standard imaging modality for nontraumatic brachial plexopathy. CT myelography is the preferred for the diagnosis of nerve root avulsions affecting the brachial plexus. Other modalities, such as CT, ultrasonography and positron emission tomography, have a limited role in the evaluation of brachial plexus pathology. High-quality, high-resolution MRI remains the main tool for imaging the brachial plexopathy.
