J Korean Soc Radiol.  2022 Nov;83(6):1273-1285. 10.3348/jksr.2022.0001.

Role of MR Neurography for Evaluation of the Lumbosacral Plexus: A Scoping Review

• Kim SG
• Jung JY

• KMID: 2536816
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2022.0001

Abstract

Purpose
MR neurography (MRN) is an imaging technique optimized to visualize the peripheral nerves. This review aimed to discover an optimized protocol for MRN of the lumbosacral plexus (LSP) and identify evidence for the clinical benefit of lumbosacral plexopathies.
Materials and Methods
We performed a systematic search of the two medical databases until September 2021. ‘Magnetic resonance imaging’, ‘lumbosacral plexus’, ‘neurologic disease’, or equivalent terms were used to search the literature. We extracted information on indications, MRN protocols for LSP, and clinical efficacy from 55 studies among those searched.
Results
MRN of the LSP is useful for displaying the distribution of peripheral nerve disease, guiding perineural injections, and assessing extraspinal causes of sciatica. Three-dimensional short-tau inversion recovery turbo spin-echo combined with vascular suppression is the mainstay of MRN.
Conclusion
Future work on the MRN of LSP should be directed to technical maturation and clinical validation of efficacy.

Keyword

Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Imaging; Three-Dimensional; Lumbosacral Plexus; Diffusion Tensor Imaging; Methods