Magnetic resonance neurography: Magnetic resonance imaging of peripheral nerves

The development of MR imaging, with its multiplanar capability, has revolutionized the imaging of soft tissues and has become the modality of choice to evaluate the peripheral nervous system. With the development of specially designed phased-array surface coils and their superior resolution of small structures, direct MR imaging of many peripheral nerves is now possible. MR neurography can detect and delineate the extent of neural tumors, demonstrate nerve continuity in cases of traumatic injury, and demonstrate abnormal enlargement and abnormal signal in inflamed peripheral nerves. The ability to image peripheral nerves has the potential to dramatically change the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral nerve pathology. As new techniques are developed, improved conspicuity of peripheral nerves from surrounding soft tissues will lead to more accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment of peripheral nerve abnormalities which, in turn, will lead to improved understanding of peripheral nerve pathophysiology.