Visualization of denervated muscle by gadolinium-enhanced MRI.
Thirty patients presenting with foot drop due to lesions of the peroneal nerve or L5 spinal root were investigated with gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced MRI of the lower leg. Significant enhancement was only seen in the denervated muscles in a pattern appropriate for the distribution of the nerve or root. In a rat model, identical changes in the denervated muscle were reproduced and seen as early as 24 hours after sciatic nerve transection. Thus, Gd-enhanced MRI is a new and sensitive technique to visualize denervated muscle.
Bendszus
M
M
Department of Neuroradiology, University of Würzburg, Germany. bendszus@neuroradiologie.uni-wuerzburg.de
Koltzenburg
M
M
D000818:Animals; D002614:Chelating Agents; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009121:Muscle Denervation; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation / Q000473:pathology; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D010543:Peroneal Nerve / Q000293:injuries*; D020427:Peroneal Neuropathies / Q000473:pathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D020426:Sciatic Neuropathy / Q000473:pathology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D002614:Chelating Agents; D004369:Pentetic Acid; D005682:Gadolinium