Iltekin Duman1, Inanc Guvenc, Tunc Alp Kalyon. 1. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. iltekinduman@yahoo.com
Abstract
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.
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.