Novel observations of Pacinian corpuscle distribution in the hands and feet based on high-resolution 7-T MRI in healthy volunteers

Christoph Germann,Daniel Nanz,Reto Sutter

doi:10.1007/s00256-020-03667-7

Christoph Germann, Daniel Nanz + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-020-03667-7

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Abstract

Pacinian corpuscles represent special nerve endings that serve as mechanoreceptors sensitive to vibration and pressure and are crucial for proprioception. This work demonstrates that the complex network of Pacinian corpuscles in hands and feet can be examined with three-dimensional Dual Echo Steady State (DESS) MR imaging at 7 T, while previous dedicated MRI reports were either limited to two-dimensional images or focused on the hands. The high-resolution MR images show the detailed architecture of the complex receptor network and reveal a “chain-like” arrangement of Pacinian corpuscles, a predilection for clustering around metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joints, proximal phalanges and fingertips, and specific sensor locations both in the superficial subcutaneous tissue and adjacent to deep soft tissue structures such as tendons and joint capsules.

Highlights

Pacinian corpuscles, known as Vater-Pacini or lamellar corpuscles, are sensory receptors for vibration and deep pressure and are essential for proprioception [1]
We present novel high-resolution 3D images at 7-T MRI, illustrating the detailed anatomy of the Pacinian corpuscles in the hand and feet, highlighting their excellent demarcation and exact location within the skin layers and soft tissues as well as the distribution patterns
This case report illustrates the detailed MR imaging anatomy of the complex network of Pacinian corpuscle mechanoreceptors in the feet and hands that can be visualized with 3D Dual Echo Steady State (DESS) imaging at 7 T

Summary

Introduction

Known as Vater-Pacini or lamellar corpuscles, are sensory receptors for vibration and deep pressure and are essential for proprioception [1]. The higher inherent signal at ultra-high-field 7-T MRI can be exploited—among others—for higher spatial resolution [6] This can be used to better depict the whole network of Pacinian corpuscles, focusing on the distribution, arrangement, and their exact location in relation to the cutis and deep soft tissues within the hands and feet, thereby correlating the various locations with their function as sensory receptors for vibration and proprioception [7]. DESS imaging was chosen because of (a) its T2 contribution to the image contrast weighting; (b) its lower specific absorption rate, compared to a 3D spin-echo sequence; (c) its reduced sensitivity to variations of magnetic susceptibility, than a fully balanced gradient-echo sequence; (d) its good encoding efficiency; and (e) its motion sensitivity, which provided comparatively good suppression of flowing blood This setup allowed identification of numerous hyperintense, sharply demarcated ovoid nodules within the plantar-sided soft tissues of the foot and toes and the palmar-sided soft tissues of the hand and fingers Two criteria were used to differentiate the Pacinian corpuscles from vessels: (1) the linear and

Discussion

Compliance with ethical standards