Peripheral Neuropathies of the Median, Radial, and Ulnar Nerves: MR Imaging Feat

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Radiographics. 2006 Sep-Oct;26(5):1267-87.

Peripheral Neuropathies of the Median, Radial, and Ulnar Nerves: MR

Imaging Features.

Andreisek G, Crook DW, Burg D, Marincek B, Weishaupt D.

Institute for Diagnostic Radiology, Department of Medical Radiology,

University Hospital Zurich, Raemistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zurich,

Switzerland.

The median, radial, and ulnar nerves of the upper limbs may be

affected by various peripheral neuropathies, each of which may be

categorized according to its cause, as either an entrapment or a

nonentrapment neuropathy. Entrapment neuropathies, also referred to

as nerve compression syndromes, include the supracondylar process

syndrome, pronator syndrome, anterior interosseous nerve syndrome,

carpal tunnel syndrome, posterior interosseous nerve syndrome,

cubital tunnel syndrome, and Guyon canal syndrome.

Nonentrapment neuropathies include traumatic nerve injuries,

infectious and inflammatory conditions, polyneuropathies, and mass

lesions at anatomic locations where entrapment syndromes typically do

not occur. Although clinical examination and electrophysiologic

testing are the cornerstone of the diagnostic work-up, in certain

cases magnetic resonance (MR) imaging may provide key information

about the exact anatomic location of a lesion or may help narrow the

differential diagnosis.

In patients with a diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, MR imaging may

help establish the cause of the condition and provide information

crucial for conservative management or surgical planning. In

addition, knowledge of the normal anatomy and of the possible causes,

typical clinical findings, and MR imaging features of peripheral

neuropathies that affect the median, radial, and ulnar nerves allows

greater confidence in the diagnosis.