[MRI of the brachial plexus]

Abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging is the method of choice for the evaluation of brachial plexopathy. Knowledge of the anatomy and normal imaging appearance is required. High-resolution imaging technique is necessary with the use of adequate coils. Evaluation of the brachial plexus requires T1 weighted sequences in three plans, T2 weighted sequences with fat suppression and if necessary the study is completed with gadolinium injection sequences with fat suppression. A CISS sequence is used if a nerve root avulsion is suspected. The spatial resolution must be optimized with the use of adapted parameters. We illustrate a variety of pathologies that can involve the brachial plexus. The pathology includes trauma, primary (neurogenic tumors, lymphomatosis) or secondary tumors, radiation plexopathy or inflammatory polyneuropathy.