Imaging brachial plexus pathology

The imaging of the brachial plexus (BP) cannot easily be achieved because of the extension of the region to be studied, the different tissue compositions of the adjacent anatomic structures and the necessity to work with thin tissue slices. Here is a description of the brachial plexus MRI (bpMRI) protocol that we use for the pre-operative evaluation of patients affected by the following brachial plexus (BP) pathologies: neoplastic, post-traumatic, inflammatory. The surgical implications are discussed. A survey was done on 115 patients (66 males; 49 females; mean age 46.4 years old), which underwent a bpMRI over a 32-month period (32 post-traumatic, 26 neoplastic, 25 affected by inflammatory diseases). Our bpMRI protocol is evaluated according to each mechanism of disease. The bpMRI provides a topographic localization of the tumour showing the nerve dislocations or infiltration by the neoplasm. In traumatic patients we suggest that the bpMRI could be useful to detect the degree of axonal damage when the nerve lesion is in continuity. We also consider the diagnosis and the possible surgical implications for the inflammatory plexopathies. In conclusion, a standardized bpMRI protocol has an invaluable diagnostic value for the surgeons and neurologists. It is only limited by its duration (at least 45 min).

Ultrasound accuracy for brachial plexus pathology

BackgroundLittle is known on adverse events and their timing after peripheral nerve surgery in extremities. The aim of this study is to identify predictors and typical timing of complications, unplanned readmission, and length of hospital stay for patients undergoing peripheral nerve surgery in the extremities.MethodsData were extracted from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) registry from 2005 to 2015. Adult patients undergoing peripheral nerve surgery in the extremities were included. A subgroup analysis was performed for brachial plexus operations. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of any complication, surgical site infection, unplanned readmission, and reoperation.ResultsA total of 2,840 patients were identified; 628 were brachial plexus operations. Overall complications were 4.4% and 7.0%, respectively. Median time for occurrence of any complication was 8 days. The most common complications were wound‐related (1.7%), which occurred at a median of 15 days postoperatively. Reoperation occurred in 1.8% of all cases; most commonly for musculoskeletal repair (16.7%). Unplanned readmissions occurred in 2.3% and were most often due to wound‐related problems (24.1%). Preoperatively contaminated wounds, inpatient procedures, and longer operative time seemed to have the most influence on all adverse events. In brachial plexus pathology, insulin‐dependent diabetes and emergency cases also negatively affected outcomes.ConclusionsComplications usually occur one to two weeks postoperatively. Preoperatively contaminated wounds, inpatient procedures, and longer operative times influence outcome. Anatomical level of operation results in significantly different lengths of hospital stay; brachial plexus pathology has the longest length of stay.

Brachial and lumbosacral plexopathies can result from numerous non-traumatic etiologies, including those of inflammatory, autoimmune, or neoplastic origin, that often require nerve biopsy for diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve (MABC) and posterior femoral cutaneous nerve (PFCN) nerve biopsies in proximal brachial and lumbosacral plexus pathology. Patients undergoing MABC or PFCN nerve biopsies at a single institution were reviewed. Patient demographics, clinical diagnosis, symptom duration, intraoperative findings, post-operative complications, and pathology results were recorded. Biopsy results were classified as diagnostic, inconclusive, or negative based on the final pathology. Thirty patients undergoing MABC biopsies in the proximal arm or axilla and five patients with PFCN biopsies in the thigh or buttock were included. MABC biopsies were diagnostic in 70% of cases overall and 85% diagnostic in cases where pre-operative MRI also demonstrated abnormalities in the MABC. PFCN biopsies were diagnostic in 60% of cases overall and in 100% of patients with abnormal pre-operative MRIs. There were no biopsy-related post-operative complications in either group. In diagnosing non-traumatic etiologies of brachial and lumbosacral plexopathies, proximal biopsies of the MABC and PFCN provide high diagnostic value with low donor morbidity.

MR Imaging of Pediatric Nerve Disorders.

Magnetic resonance images (MRI) of brachial plexus anatomy bilaterally, not possible by plain radiographs or CT, were presented to the Vascular Surgery, Neurology, and the Neurosurgery departments. Patients were requested for MRI of their brachial plexus. They were referred for imaging and the imaging results were presented to the faculty and housestaff. Our technique was accepted and adopted to begin referrals for MRI evaluation of brachial plexopathy. Over 175 patients have been studied. Eighty-five patients were imaged with the 1.5 Tesla magnet (Signa; General Electric Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI) 3-D reconstruction MRI. Coronal, transverse (axial), oblique transverse, and sagittal plane T1-weighted and selected T2-weighted pulse sequences were obtained at 4-5 mm slice thickness, 40-45 full field of view, and a 512 x 256 size matrix. Saline water bags were used to enhance the signal between the neck and the thorax. Sites of brachial plexus compromise were demonstrated. Our technique with 3-D reconstruction increased the definition of brachial plexus pathology. The increased anatomical definition enabled the vascular surgeons and neurosurgeons to improve patient care. Brachial plexus in vivo anatomy as displayed by MRI, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and 3-D reconstruction offered an opportunity to augment the teaching of clinical anatomy to medical students and health professionals. Selected case presentations (bodybuilder, anomalous muscle, fractured clavicle, thyroid goiter, silicone breast implant rupture, and cervical rib) demonstrated compromise of the brachial plexus displayed by MRI. The MRI and 3-D reconstruction techniques, demonstrating the bilateral landmark anatomy, increased the definition of the clinical anatomy and resulted in greater knowledge of patient care management.

Brachial plexopathies, traumatic and nontraumatic, often present with vague symptoms. Clinical examination and electrophysiological studies are useful but may not localize the lesion accurately. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with its multiplanar imaging capability and soft tissue contrast resolution plays an important role in evaluation of the abnormal brachial plexus.