Neuralgic amyotrophy, diagnosed with magnetic resonance neurography in acute stage: a case report and review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
We present a case of neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) diagnosed with magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) in the acute stage.


METHODS
NA is an uncommon neurologic syndrome that affects mainly the brachial plexus. MRN is considered to be more sensitive than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for peripheral nervous system disorders. A case of acute NA with the sudden onset of shoulder pain and weakness in the shoulder girdle is presented.


RESULTS
Electrodiagnostic testing revealed an upper trunk lesion. Plexitis that could not be demonstrated with conventional MRI was revealed with MRN. The left brachial plexus was thickened and hyperintense with MRN, consistent with plexitis.


CONCLUSIONS
MRN should be the preferred imaging modality for the diagnosis of acute NA. This might not only help early diagnosis and guide treatment but also prevent unnecessary testing.
Duman
Iltekin
I
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. iltekinduman@yahoo.com
Guvenc
Inanc
I
Kalyon
Tunc Alp
TA
D000328:Adult; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000473:pathology*; D020968:Brachial Plexus Neuritis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D012196:Review Literature as Topic