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Žiga S, Igor S, Urša M, Plut D, Erika C, Gregor O. Median and ulnar nerve fascicle imaging using MR microscopy and high-resolution ultrasound. J Neuroimaging 2022; 32:420-429. [PMID: 35229399 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Understanding nerve microanatomy is important as different neuropathies and some nerve neoplasms present with fascicle enlargement. The aim of our study was to gain clinically oriented knowledge on nerve fascicular anatomy using imaging modalities. METHODS On a cadaveric upper extremity, high-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) scan with 22 MHz probe was performed. Sections of the median and ulnar nerves were excised at the level of the distal arm and after magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM), histological cross-sections (HCS) were prepared. Cross-referencing of the MRM and HRUS images with HCS was performed. Fascicle and nerve contouring was performed with morphometric software in order to assess nerve and fascicular cross-sectional area (CSA), fascicle count, and interfascicular distances. Based on fascicle differentiation, factual fascicle (FF) group and fascicular cluster (FC) group were defined. RESULTS On the cross-referenced imaging material, fascicles were differentiated in 92.7% on MRM and in 57.3% on HRUS. High to very high positive correlation among imaging material was observed for the fascicle CSA. FF depiction was 30.1% on HRUS. In comparison to the FF group, the FC group had significantly larger fascicle CSA and shorter interfascicular distances. DISCUSSION The findings of our study contribute to understanding of fascicle depiction on imaging modalities. HRUS offers good visualization of fascicles. The capability of differentiating fascicles is modality specific and depends on the fascicle CSA and the amount of interfascicular epineurium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snoj Žiga
- Radiology Institute, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Serša Igor
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matičič Urša
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Domen Plut
- Radiology Institute, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Cvetko Erika
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Omejec Gregor
- Institute of Clinical Neurophysiology, Division of Neurology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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van Rosmalen MHJ, Goedee HS, Derks R, Asselman F, Verhamme C, de Luca A, Hendrikse J, van der Pol WL, Froeling M. Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of the brachial plexus shows specific changes in nerve architecture in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, multifocal motor neuropathy and motor neuron disease. Eur J Neurol 2021; 28:2716-2726. [PMID: 33934438 PMCID: PMC8362016 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immunological pathophysiologies of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) and multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) differ considerably, but neither has been elucidated completely. Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging, T2 mapping, and fat fraction analysis may indicate in vivo pathophysiological changes in nerve architecture. Our study aimed to systematically study nerve architecture of the brachial plexus in patients with CIDP, MMN, motor neuron disease (MND) and healthy controls using these quantitative MRI techniques. METHODS We enrolled patients with CIDP (n = 47), MMN (n = 29), MND (n = 40) and healthy controls (n = 10). All patients underwent MRI of the brachial plexus and we obtained diffusion parameters, T2 relaxation times and fat fraction using an automated processing pipeline. We compared these parameters between groups using a univariate general linear model. RESULTS Fractional anisotropy was lower in patients with CIDP compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001), patients with MND (p = 0.010) and MMN (p < 0.001). Radial diffusivity was higher in patients with CIDP compared to healthy controls (p = 0.015) and patients with MND (p = 0.001) and MMN (p < 0.001). T2 relaxation time was elevated in patients with CIDP compared to patients with MND (p = 0.023). Fat fraction was lower in patients with CIDP and MMN compared to patients with MND (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Our results show that quantitative MRI parameters differ between CIDP, MMN and MND, which may reflect differences in underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke H. J. van Rosmalen
- Department of Neurology and NeurosurgeryBrain Center Rudolf MagnusUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Department of RadiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - H. Stephan Goedee
- Department of Neurology and NeurosurgeryBrain Center Rudolf MagnusUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Rosina Derks
- Department of RadiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Fay‐Lynn Asselman
- Department of Neurology and NeurosurgeryBrain Center Rudolf MagnusUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Camiel Verhamme
- Department of NeurologyAmsterdam NeuroscienceAmsterdam University Medical CentersUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Alberto de Luca
- Department of RadiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - J. Hendrikse
- Department of RadiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - W. Ludo van der Pol
- Department of Neurology and NeurosurgeryBrain Center Rudolf MagnusUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Martijn Froeling
- Department of RadiologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
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Preisner F, Behnisch R, Foesleitner O, Schwarz D, Wehrstein M, Meredig H, Friedmann-Bette B, Heiland S, Bendszus M, Kronlage M. Reliability and reproducibility of sciatic nerve magnetization transfer imaging and T2 relaxometry. Eur Radiol 2021; 31:9120-9130. [PMID: 34104997 PMCID: PMC8589742 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-021-08072-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To assess the interreader and test-retest reliability of magnetization transfer imaging (MTI) and T2 relaxometry in sciatic nerve MR neurography (MRN). Materials and methods In this prospective study, 21 healthy volunteers were examined three times on separate days by a standardized MRN protocol at 3 Tesla, consisting of an MTI sequence, a multi-echo T2 relaxometry sequence, and a high-resolution T2-weighted sequence. Magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), T2 relaxation time, and proton spin density (PSD) of the sciatic nerve were assessed by two independent observers, and both interreader and test-retest reliability for all readout parameters were reported by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and standard error of measurement (SEM). Results For the sciatic nerve, overall mean ± standard deviation MTR was 26.75 ± 3.5%, T2 was 64.54 ± 8.2 ms, and PSD was 340.93 ± 78.8. ICCs ranged between 0.81 (MTR) and 0.94 (PSD) for interreader reliability and between 0.75 (MTR) and 0.94 (PSD) for test-retest reliability. SEM for interreader reliability was 1.7% for MTR, 2.67 ms for T2, and 21.3 for PSD. SEM for test-retest reliability was 1.7% for MTR, 2.66 ms for T2, and 20.1 for PSD. Conclusions MTI and T2 relaxometry of the sciatic nerve are reliable and reproducible. The values of measurement imprecision reported here may serve as a guide for correct interpretation of quantitative MRN biomarkers in future studies. Key Points • Magnetization transfer imaging (MTI) and T2 relaxometry of the sciatic nerve are reliable and reproducible. • The imprecision that is unavoidably associated with different scans or different readers can be estimated by the here presented SEM values for the biomarkers T2, PSD, and MTR. • These values may serve as a guide for correct interpretation of quantitative MRN biomarkers in future studies and possible clinical applications. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00330-021-08072-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Preisner
- Department of Neuroradiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rouven Behnisch
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Olivia Foesleitner
- Department of Neuroradiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Schwarz
- Department of Neuroradiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michaela Wehrstein
- Department of Sports Medicine (Internal Medicine VII), Medical Clinic, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hagen Meredig
- Department of Neuroradiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Birgit Friedmann-Bette
- Department of Sports Medicine (Internal Medicine VII), Medical Clinic, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Heiland
- Department of Neuroradiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Bendszus
- Department of Neuroradiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Moritz Kronlage
- Department of Neuroradiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Felisaz PF, Belatti E, Deligianni X, Bergsland N, Santini F, Paoletti M, Solazzo F, Germani G, Cortese A, Vegezzi E, Bieri O, Bastianello S, Pichiecchio A. Variable echo time imaging for detecting the short T2* components of the sciatic nerve: a validation study. MAGMA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 34:411-419. [PMID: 32964300 PMCID: PMC8154754 DOI: 10.1007/s10334-020-00886-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop and validate an MRI protocol based on a variable echo time (vTE) sensitive to the short T2* components of the sciatic nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS 15 healthy subjects (M/F: 9/6; age: 21-62) were scanned at 3T targeting the sciatic nerve at the thigh bilaterally, using a dual echo variable echo time (vTE) sequence (based on a spoiled gradient echo acquisition) with echo times of 0.98/5.37 ms. Apparent T2* (aT2*) values of the sciatic nerves were calculated with a mono-exponential fit and used for data comparison. RESULTS There were no significant differences in aT2* related to side, sex, age, and BMI, even though small differences for side were reported. Good-to-excellent repeatability and reproducibility were found for geometry of ROIs (Dice indices: intra-rater 0.68-0.7; inter-rater 0.70-0.72) and the related aT2* measures (intra-inter reader ICC 0.95-0.97; 0.66-0.85) from two different operators. Side-related signal-to-noise-ratio non-significant differences were reported, while contrast-to-noise-ratio measures were excellent both for side and echo. DISCUSSION Our study introduces a novel MR sequence sensitive to the short T2* components of the sciatic nerve and may be used for the study of peripheral nerve disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Florent Felisaz
- Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Radiology, Desio Hospital, ASST Monza, Desio, Italy
| | - Eugenio Belatti
- Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Xeni Deligianni
- Department of Radiology, Division of Radiological Physics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Allschwil, Switzerland.
| | - Niels Bergsland
- Department of Neurology, Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
- IRCCS, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Santini
- Department of Radiology, Division of Radiological Physics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Matteo Paoletti
- Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Solazzo
- Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Germani
- Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Cortese
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, PV, Italy
- Department for Neuromuscular Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology, London, UK
| | - Elisa Vegezzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, PV, Italy
| | - Oliver Bieri
- Department of Radiology, Division of Radiological Physics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Bastianello
- Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, PV, Italy
| | - Anna Pichiecchio
- Department of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, PV, Italy
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Magnetic resonance neurography in diagnosing childhood chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Brain Dev 2021; 43:352-356. [PMID: 33433331 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peripheral nerve imaging is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool to evaluate nerve hypertrophy in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth diseases (CMT), whereas data in pediatric patients are limited. CASE DESCRIPTION We describe the case of a 15-year-old Japanese girl with asymmetric demyelinating polyneuropathy, who, at the age of 10 years, was initially diagnosed with a demyelinating form of CMT. Fluorescence in situ hybridization for peripheral myelin 22 was negative, and already-known pathogenic variants were not detected by whole-genome sequencing, and nerve conduction studies revealed multifocal conduction blocks. Over the next 5 years, the patient showed gradual improvement in muscle weakness and sensory disturbance without immunological treatment and was referred to our hospital. RESULTS At the age of 15 years, magnetic resonance (MR) neurography showed asymmetric multifocal fusiform enlargement of nerve roots, brachial and lumbosacral plexuses, and intermediated nerve trunks, as well as cranial nerves. Based on the MR neurography findings and multifocal nerve conduction blocks, she was diagnosed as having multifocal CIDP (multifocal demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy [MADSAM]) according to the European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society diagnostic criteria. DISCUSSION Clinical diagnosis of childhood CIDP is challenging because its neurological manifestations and nerve conduction study findings occasionally resemble those of inherited demyelinating neuropathies. MR neurography is helpful for the assessment of patterns of nerve hypertrophy; MADSAM-CIDP is characterized by multiple fusiform nerve enlargement, whereas CMT shows symmetric and diffuse nerve hypertrophy. CONCLUSION The MR neurography patterns would help in diagnosing pediatric demyelinating neuropathies.
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Himeno T, Kamiya H, Nakamura J. Lumos for the long trail: Strategies for clinical diagnosis and severity staging for diabetic polyneuropathy and future directions. J Diabetes Investig 2020; 11:5-16. [PMID: 31677343 PMCID: PMC6944828 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic polyneuropathy, which is a chronic symmetrical length-dependent sensorimotor polyneuropathy, is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy. Although diabetic polyneuropathy is the most important risk factor in cases of diabetic foot, given its poor prognosis, the criteria for diagnosis and staging of diabetic polyneuropathy has not been established; consequently, no disease-modifying treatment is available. Most criteria and scoring systems that were previously proposed consist of clinical signs, symptoms and quantitative examinations, including sensory function tests and nerve conduction study. However, in diabetic polyneuropathy, clinical symptoms, including numbness, pain and allodynia, show no significant correlation with the development of pathophysiological changes in the peripheral nervous system. Therefore, these proposed criteria and scoring systems have failed to become a universal clinical end-point for large-scale clinical trials evaluating the prognosis in diabetes patients. We should use quantitative examinations of which validity has been proven. Nerve conduction study, for example, has been proven effective to evaluate dysfunctions of large nerve fibers. Baba's classification, which uses a nerve conduction study, is one of the most promising diagnostic methods. Loss of small nerve fibers can be determined using corneal confocal microscopy and intra-epidermal nerve fiber density. However, no staging criteria have been proposed using these quantitative evaluations for small fiber neuropathy. To establish a novel diagnostic and staging criteria of diabetic polyneuropathy, we propose three principles to be considered: (i) include only generalizable objective quantitative tests; (ii) exclude clinical symptoms and signs; and (iii) do not restrictively exclude other causes of polyneuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuhito Himeno
- Division of DiabetesDepartment of Internal MedicineAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
| | - Hideki Kamiya
- Division of DiabetesDepartment of Internal MedicineAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
| | - Jiro Nakamura
- Division of DiabetesDepartment of Internal MedicineAichi Medical University School of MedicineNagakuteJapan
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Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used extensively in revealing pathological changes in the central nervous system. However, to date, MRI is very much underutilized in evaluating the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This underutilization is generally due to two perceived weaknesses in MRI: first, the need for very high resolution to image the small structures within the peripheral nerves to visualize morphological changes; second, the lack of normative data in MRI of the PNS and this makes reliable interpretation of the data difficult. This article reviews current state-of-the-art capabilities in
in vivo MRI of human peripheral nerves. It aims to identify areas where progress has been made and those that still require further improvement. In particular, with many new therapies on the horizon, this review addresses how MRI can be used to provide non-invasive and objective biomarkers in the evaluation of peripheral neuropathies. Although a number of techniques are available in diagnosing and tracking pathologies in the PNS, those techniques typically target the distal peripheral nerves, and distal nerves may be completely degenerated during the patient’s first clinic visit. These techniques may also not be able to access the proximal nerves deeply embedded in the tissue. Peripheral nerve MRI would be an alternative to circumvent these problems. In order to address the pressing clinical needs, this review closes with a clinical protocol at 3T that will allow high-resolution, high-contrast, quantitative MRI of the proximal peripheral nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongsheng Chen
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - E Mark Haacke
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine & Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.,John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
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