MR Neurography, also known as MR Imaging of Peripheral Nevers (PNI), or Magnetic Resonance Neurography (MRN), is a specialized technique that is used in diagnosing peripheral nerves disorders beyond the spinal canal. Few sites in Florida offer an MR neurography to patients.
MR neurography, or magnetic resonance neurography (MRN), also known as MR Imaging of Peripheral Nerves (PNI), is an advanced technique that is useful for diagnosing disorders of the peripheral nerves beyond the spinal canal.
During an MR neurography, we use our high field 3.0T MRI, to diagnose or rule out any abnormalities of the lumbosacral plexus, brachial plexus, thoracic outlet, and sciatic nerves. Unlike other exams or studies, this imaging exam does not request a waiting period after nerve injury, for abnormalities to be detected. Some of the most common nerve diseases that are evaluated with an MR neurography are tumors, inflammation radiation damage, nerve trauma, and disc disease or entrapment.
MR neurography can image nerves anywhere in the body, although it is most commonly used in the diagnosis of abnormalities of the brachial plexus, lumbosacral plexus, thoracic outlet, and sciatic nerves. MRN can be performed at any time after nerve injury, as opposed to electrodiagnostic studies, which usually require a two- to three-week waiting period after abnormalities can be detected. Nerve trauma, tumor, inflammation, radiation damage, compression related to disc disease or entrapment (i.e. thoracic outlet, “piriformis”/extraspinal sciatica) are some of the more common nerve diseases that are evaluated with MRN. This exam has truly been groundbreaking as it pertains to nerve disease diagnosis.
