title: Localized hypertrophic neuropathy of the sciatic nerve in children: MRI findings.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Localized hypertrophic neuropathy (LHN) of the sciatic nerve in children is a rare condition characterized by a painless neurological deficit in the sciatic nerve territory.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To demonstrate the role of MRI using a specific protocol and describe the primary findings in LHN.
  
  
  METHODS
  Imaging in four children (age 2 years to 12 years) is presented. All children presented with lower limb asymmetry. Three had a steppage gait. LHN was confirmed by electrophysiological studies and by MRI of the whole sciatic nerve with a dedicated protocol covering the lumbar spine and the lower limb.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were four direct MRI findings: (1) linear and focal hypertrophy with progressive enlargement of a peripheral nerve or plexus diameter, (2) abnormal hyperintensity of the nerve on T2-weighted images, (3) preserved fascicular configuration, and (4) variable enhancement after intravenous gadolinium administration. In addition there were atrophy and fatty infiltration of innervated muscles. MRI was helpful for determining the extent of lesions and in excluding peripheral nerve compression or tumour.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MRI of the whole sciatic nerve is the method of choice for diagnosing LHN of the sciatic nerve.
authors: Department of Radiology, Hopital Sud, University Hospital, 16 Boulevard de Bulgarie, BP 90347, 35203 Rennes cedex 2, France. adrien.roux@chu-rennes.fr
authors: Adrien
authors: A
authors: Roux
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: Tréguier
authors: Bertrand
authors: B
authors: Bruneau
authors: Franck
authors: F
authors: Marin
authors: Laurent
authors: L
authors: Riffaud
authors: Philippe
authors: P
authors: Violas
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Michel
authors: Yves
authors: Y
authors: Gandon
authors: Jean-Yves
authors: JY
authors: Gauvrit
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003287:Contrast Media; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007223:Infant; D007866:Leg / Q000294:innervation; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media