MAGNETIC-RESONANCE NEUROGRAPHY OF THE MEDIAN NERVE

A magnetic resonance imaging sequence, combining fat and flow suppress ion with T-2 weighting, has been used to produce high conspicuity imag es of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. Standard maximum inte nsity projection techniques were then used to produce three-dimensiona l (3D) reconstructions of the nerve. Comparison of 3D projections with the wrist in a neutral position and wrist flexed at 45 degrees depict ed changes in the shape and course of the median nerve through the car pal tunnel of normal volunteers. In some cases of carpal tunnel syndro me evidence of a localized compression was observed. A 3D image of a n erve may help in the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy and be an aid to surgery of or near major nerves.