Diagnosis of brachial plexus injury by MR-myelography

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the application of magnetic resonance myelography using 3D Fast Imaging Employing Steady-state Acquisition (3D-FIESTA) sequence in the diagnosis of brachial plexus preganghonic injury. Methods Ten cases with brachial plexus injury underwent MR scanning before the operation, lmages of MRM were reviewed and compared with surgical findings and electrophysiologic diagnosis. Results The sensitivity , specificity and accuracy of MRM in diagnosing brachial plexus preganglionic injury were 86.1% , 100% and 90.0% , respectively. The positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 100% and 73.7% , respectively. Conclusion The MRM images of injured brachial plexus by using 3D-FIESTA sequence are satisfactory. This technique is helpful in early diagnosis of preganglionic injury. Key words: Brachial plexus; Wound and injuries; MRI; Diagnosis