Application of 3.0T MRI in imaging of the brachial plexus

Abstract

Objective To investigate the feasibility of imaging brachial plexus in enhanced scan of 3D-STIR sequence in 3.0T MRI and the practical value of clinical application. Methods Twenty-six healthy volunteers and 35 patients with brachial plexus lesions underwent imaging of the brachial plexus with 3.0T MRI conventional scanning sequence,3D-STIR sequence scanning and 3D-STIR sequence of enhanced scan. The obtained images were observed to evaluate the image quality and signal to noise ratio. Results 3D-STIR sequence and enhanced scan could clearly display the components,course,continuity,shape and signals of the brachial plexus in all the healthy volunteers. The enhanced scan could improve the suppression effects of the background,and therefore could clearly visualize trauma and tumor involving the brachial plexus due to a variety of signs. Conclusion 3.0T MRI enhanced scan of 3D-STIR sequence has potential values in the diagnosis and treatment of brachial plexus diseases. Key words: Magnetic resonance imaging; Brachial plexus; Magnetic resonance neurography