Peripheral Nerve Perfusion by Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

Dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion is a feasible technique to assess K trans and NBV in peripheral nerves and may be used in future investigations on peripheral neuropathies.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging Adds Diagnostic Accuracy in Magnetic Resonance Neurography

“…2,3,7 Recent developments of MRN include more sophisticated "functional" imaging methods that allow the assessment, for example, of the blood-nerve barrier and nerve perfusion imaging in vivo. 11 Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) offers another innovative approach to probe the cellular pathophysiology of disease and microstructural alterations on fiber level. [12][13][14][15][16][17] Diffusion tensor imaging allows the quantification of fractional anisotropy (FA), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and the molecular diffusion parameters axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD).…”

Regional Differences in Tight Junction Protein Expression in the Blood–DRG Barrier and Their Alterations after Nerve Traumatic Injury in Rats

“…Unfortunately, pain intensity was not examined in the study. Also, it is not known so far, whether other types of neuropathic pain, including nerve injury or metabolic diseases, also have alterations in the BDB, and specifically, an increased leakage, as observed in the nerve [49]. Nevertheless, magnetic resonance imaging and BDB permeability could be very early in vivo markers for involvement of the peripheral nervous system.…”

Fiber loss in diabetic polyneuropathy

“…4 Still other MR neurography methods have emerged that evaluate blood-nerve permeability and perfusion of peripheral nerves. 5 This latter technique of time-resolved in vivo perfusion and permeability recording is currently being applied also to the dorsal root ganglia, for which Dr. Zochodne has raised awareness in DPN. 6 However, these methods are beyond the scope of a single study.…”

“…4 Finally, alterations at the level of the perikarya within dorsal root ganglia (DRG) may be early events in the course of this unique neurodegenerative disorder. 5 Future higher-resolution imaging studies should rigorously examine the full length of the peripheral nervous system by examining DRG structure as well. Although Pham et al provide interesting results, the findings do not provide evidence for how this disorder evolves and must be interpreted in light of previous and more recently reported detailed clinical and preclinical literature.…”