%0 Journal Article
%T MR Neurography: Advances
%A Avneesh Chhabra
%A Lianxin Zhao
%A John A. Carrino
%A Eo Trueblood
%A Saso Koceski
%A Filip Shteriev
%A Lionel Lenkinski
%A Christopher D. J. Sinclair
%A Gustav Andreisek
%J Radiology Research and Practice
%D 2013
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2013/809568
%X High resolution and high field magnetic resonance neurography (MR neurography, MRN) is shown to have excellent anatomic capability. There have been considerable advances in the technology in the last few years leading to various feasibility studies using different structural and functional imaging approaches in both clinical and research settings. This paper is intended to be a useful seminar for readers who want to gain knowledge of the advancements in the MRN pulse sequences currently used in clinical practice as well as learn about the other techniques on the horizon aimed at better depiction of nerve anatomy, pathology, and potential noninvasive evaluation of nerve degeneration or regeneration. 1. Introduction High resolution and high field (3T) magnetic resonance neurography (MR neurography, MRN) has been shown to have excellent anatomic capability. This is in part due to the rapid improvements in coil technology and software in the last few years [1¨C3]. With improved detection of nerve anatomy and pathology, the value of quantitative functional MR methods as potential biomarkers in neuromuscular disease is also being increasingly recognized [4]. While high resolution 2D (dimensional) and 3D demonstration of peripheral nerve anatomy and pathology is the current state of the art, there have been considerable advances in various aspects of the field leading to successful feasibility studies employing various structural and functional imaging techniques in both clinical and research settings [1, 5¨C7]. This paper is intended to be a useful seminar for readers who want to gain knowledge of the advancements in the MRN pulse sequences currently used in clinical practice as well as learn about the other techniques on the horizon aimed at better depiction of nerve anatomy, pathology, and potential noninvasive evaluation of nerve degeneration or regeneration. 2. Clinical Need for MR Neurography It is estimated that about 5% of population has some form of neuropathy, and there is up to 5% incidence of peripheral nerve injuries in admissions to a level I trauma center [8, 9], with Sunderland grade I¨CIV injuries (nerve in continuity) far more common than the grade V injury (nerve discontinuity). Clinical evaluation and electrodiagnostic studies provide incomplete information about the anatomy and degree of injury. In particular, these studies are not able to differentiate among grade III¨CV injuries, which is important from a surgical point of view and patient prognosis [10, 11]. Many of these patients undergo conservative management for 1-2 years depending upon
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/rrp/2013/809568/