A E Li1, H G Greditzer2, D P Melisaratos2, S W Wolfe3, J H Feinberg4, D B Sneag2. 1. Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70(th) St., New York, NY 10021, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA. Electronic address: angela.li.rad@gmail.com. 2. Department of Radiology and Imaging, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70(th) St., New York, NY 10021, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA. 3. Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA; Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70(th) St., New York, NY 10021, USA. 4. Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA; Department of Physiatry, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 E 70(th) St., New York, NY 10021, USA.
Abstract
AIM: To characterise the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of patients with spinal accessory nerve (SAN) denervation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve patients who had SAN denervation on electromyography (EMG) were included. The sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles and the SAN were assessed using MRI. RESULTS: Trapezius muscle atrophy was seen in 11 (92%), and of those patients, T2/short tau inversion recovery (STIR) signal hyperintensity was also demonstrated in seven (58%). All three patients with prior neck surgery had scarring around the SAN, and one of these patients demonstrated a neuroma, which was confirmed surgically. CONCLUSION: Features of SAN neuropathy on MRI include atrophy and T2/STIR signal hyperintensity of the trapezius, and in patients who have had posterior triangle neck surgery, scarring may be seen around the nerve.
AIM: To characterise the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of patients with spinal accessory nerve (SAN) denervation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve patients who had SAN denervation on electromyography (EMG) were included. The sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles and the SAN were assessed using MRI. RESULTS: Trapezius muscle atrophy was seen in 11 (92%), and of those patients, T2/short tau inversion recovery (STIR) signal hyperintensity was also demonstrated in seven (58%). All three patients with prior neck surgery had scarring around the SAN, and one of these patients demonstrated a neuroma, which was confirmed surgically. CONCLUSION: Features of SAN neuropathy on MRI include atrophy and T2/STIR signal hyperintensity of the trapezius, and in patients who have had posterior triangle neck surgery, scarring may be seen around the nerve.
Authors: Emily Casaletto; Bin Lin; Scott W Wolfe; Steve K Lee; Darryl B Sneag; Joseph H Feinberg; O Kenechi Nwawka Journal: Neurol Clin Pract Date: 2020-10