Brachial plexitis or neuritis? MRI features of lesion distribution in Parsonage-Turner syndrome. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • INTRODUCTION: This study seeks to characterize lesion distribution in Parsonage-Turner Syndrome (PTS) using high-resolution MRI. METHODS: MRIs of 27 patients with clinically confirmed PTS were reviewed. Two radiologists independently evaluated the brachial plexus proper, side and terminal plexus branches, and more distal, upper extremity nerves. RESULTS: All patients had at least 1 clinically involved nerve. MRI revealed that the plexus appeared normal in 24 of 27 patients; in 3 other patients, signal hyperintensity was seen immediately proximal to the take-off of abnormal side or terminal branch nerves. Focal intrinsic constrictions were detected in 32 of 38 nerves. MRI interobserver agreement was high (Cohen's κ = 0.839). DISCUSSION: MRI findings, corroborated by electrodiagnostic testing, localized abnormalities to plexus branches and peripheral nerves, suggesting that PTS is characterized by 1 or more mononeuropathies rather than changes involving a portion of or the complete plexus proper. These results may improve diagnosis, prognostication, and management. Muscle Nerve 58: 359-366, 2018.

publication date

  • March 25, 2018

Research

keywords

  • Brachial Plexus
  • Brachial Plexus Neuritis
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 85044325311

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1002/mus.26108

PubMed ID

  • 29461642

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 58

issue

  • 3