Visualization of denervated muscle by gadolinium-enhanced MRI

Thirty patients presenting with foot drop due to lesions of the peroneal ne rve or L5 spinal root were investigated with gadolinium (Gd)enhanced MRI of the lower leg. Significant enhancement was only seen in the denervated mus cles in a pattern appropriate for the distribution of the nerve or root. In a rat model, identical changes in the denervated muscle were reproduced an d seen as early as 24 hours after sciatic nerve transection. Thus, Gd-enhan ced MRI is a new and sensitive technique to visualize denervated muscle.