Peripheral nerve lesions: role of high-resolution US.
The peripheral nerve is demonstrated as a reticular pattern in a transverse section at high-resolution ultrasonography (US). Its echogenicity is between that of tendon and muscle. High-resolution US applied to lesions of peripheral nerves yields impressive results in that the nerve is highly differentiated from surrounding soft tissue. In cases of trauma, high-resolution US can easily differentiate between a rupture of the nerve bundle and fibroblast infiltration that results in traumatic neuroma. In cases of inflammation or compressive syndrome, high-resolution US can easily demonstrate lesion location and cause. In the evaluation of abnormal masses, high-resolution US cannot clearly differentiate neurofibromas from schwannomas but it can clarify the relationship between tumor and neural trunk and help the clinician plan treatment strategies. The authors discuss the success that can be achieved with the application of high-resolution US in the evaluation of peripheral nerve lesions.
Chiou
Hong-Jen
HJ
Department of Radiology, No. 201, Sec 2, Shih-Pai Rd, Taipei-Veterans General Hospital and School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan. hjchiou@vghtpe.gov.tw
Chou
Yi-Hong
YH
Chiou
See-Ying
SY
Liu
Ji-Bin
JB
Chang
Cheng-Yen
CY
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009443:Neuritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010524:Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography