MR IMAGING OF THE SACRAL PLEXUS - NORMAL FINDINGS

Imaging of the sacral plexus requires evaluation of both intradural an d extradural components with cross-sectional techniques. Although CT i s useful, individual extradural sacral nerves and the sacral plexus us ually cannot be distinguished from adjacent structures [1, 2]. The hig her contrast resolution provided by MR imaging allows the region of th e sacral plexus to be examined in greater detail. With MR imaging, the constant relationship of the neural components to one another, and th e gluteal vessels in their course from the sacrum to the greater sciat ic foramen, can be shown consistently. An understanding of the anatomy of this area in multiple planes can aid in more accurate localization of abnormalities involving the sacral plexus. This pictorial essay re views the MR appearance of the region of the sacral plexus.