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. Copyright RSNA, 2003