Imaging the brachial plexus and peripheral nerves in infants and children

Semin Pediatr Neurol. 2000 Mar;7(1):15-25. doi: 10.1016/s1071-9091(00)80006-6.

Abstract

Imaging of the brachial plexus and peripheral nerves is challenging in the pediatric patient. Magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice as it is not invasive and demonstrates proximal and distal lesions. This may be used to detect nerve root avulsions, nerve ruptures, pseudo-meningoceles, brachial plexus scarring, post-traumatic neuromas, brachial plexus edema, spinal cord damage, abnormalities of the shoulder joint, trauma, neoplasms, and infection. Imaging allows diagnosis and careful preoperative evaluation of children suffering from brachial plexus injuries and peripheral nerve disorders.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brachial Plexus / pathology*
  • Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / diagnosis*
  • Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / pathology
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
  • Paralysis, Obstetric / diagnosis*
  • Paralysis, Obstetric / pathology
  • Peripheral Nerves / pathology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / pathology