脊柱区淋巴瘤的MRI特征

目的 分析脊柱区淋巴瘤的MRI表现,以提高对其的认识.方法 回顾性分析经手术及穿刺病理或临床随访证实的脊柱区淋巴瘤45例,其中原发性5例,均为非霍奇金淋巴瘤(NHL);继发性4|D例,其中霍奇金淋巴瘤(HL)9例,NHL 31例(B细胞型27例,T细胞型4例).将MRI表现与临床、病理结果进行对照.结果 (1)病变部位:单部位发病者13例,多部位发病者32例.5例原发性者均为单部位发病,继发性者40例中32例为多发.(2)病变类型:骨质破坏型27例,表现为不同程度的骨质破坏,23例合并有软组织肿块,18例软组织病变的范围超过骨质破坏的范围;软组织肿块型6例,骨质破坏不明显,5例表现为椎管内外软组织肿块并经椎间孔相连,呈围椎、钻孔生长的特点;骨髓浸润型9例,表现为椎骨髓质MRI信号异常,骨皮质完整,椎旁软组织正常;脊髓浸润型3例,表现为脊髓增粗和MRI信号异常.(3)MRI表现:椎骨骨质破坏和骨髓浸润表现为T1WI低信号,T2WI低、等或高信号,压脂T2WI高信号.软组织肿块与相邻正常肌肉相比,T1WI呈均匀低信号,T2WI呈高信号.增强扫描肿块多呈轻至中度强化,坏死液化不明显.结论 脊柱区淋巴瘤多为继发性B细胞NHL,其主要表现是溶骨性骨质破坏伴较大范围的软组织肿块,肿块有经椎间孔相连围椎、钻孔生长的特点,增强扫描呈轻至中度均匀强化.     

MRI of non-specific low back pain and/or lumbar radiculopathy: do we need T1 when using a sagittal T2-weighted Dixon sequence?

To show that for the MRI workup of non-specific low back pain and/or lumbar radiculopathy, the acquisition of T1-weighted sequences in the sagittal plane could be waived when using an FSE T2-weighted Dixon sequence. Three musculoskeletal radiologists retrospectively reviewed fifty lumbar spine MRI examinations performed for non-specific low back pain and/or lumbar radiculopathy. Two protocols were separately analyzed in the sagittal plane: a standard protocol (T1-weighted, in-phase, and water-only images of an FSE T2-weighted Dixon sequence) and a simplified protocol (fat-only, in-phase, and water-only images of an FSE T2-weighted Dixon sequence). Eight items usually assessed on T1-weighted sequences were analyzed for each of the vertebrae (n = 250), vertebral endplates (n = 500), vertebral corners (n = 1000), foramina (n = 500), lamina (n = 500), and facet joints (n = 500). Interchangeability of these protocols was tested using the individual equivalence index. A decrease in interobserver agreement of ≥ 5% when one reader used the simplified protocol compared with when both readers used the standard protocol was considered clinically significant. Interreader and intrareader agreement were assessed using kappa statistics. Rates of findings with each protocol were compared using odd ratios. The standard and simplified protocols were interchangeable (range of upper bound of the 95%CI of individual equivalence index = 0.25 to 1.38%). Intraprotocol and interprotocol interreader kappa values were similar (0.253–0.671 vs. 0.236–0.723, respectively). Rates of findings were not statistically significantly different (p ≥ 0.074), or were higher with the simplified protocol (p ≤ 0.036). In our target population, a single sagittal T2-weighted Dixon sequence may replace the recommended combination of T1-, T2-, and fat-suppressed T2-weighted sequences. • In patients with non-specific low back pain or lumbar radiculopathy, spine MRI in the sagittal plane could be limited to a single FSE T2-weighted Dixon sequence, hereby reducing the acquisition time. • A simplified protocol of spine MRI in the sagittal plane combining FSE T2-weighted Dixon sequence provides the same information as a standard protocol including T1-, T2-, and fat-suppressed T2-weighted sequences for the workup of degenerative lumbar spine lesions. • For some findings shown on the simplified protocol, such as focal bone marrow replacement lesions or signs of infection, additional sequences including pre- and post-contrast T1-weighted sequences may be required, as is currently the case when using the standard protocol.     

MRI of spinal epidural lymphoma

We reviewed the MRI features in eight patients with spinal epidural lymphoma (clinically primary in 4 patients); one patient had multiple lesions. The cervical spine was involved in one patient, the thoracolumbar spine in 5 and the sacrum in two. Mean longitudinal extension of the epidural lesion was 2.6 vertebral segments. The tumours were homogeneously isointense with the spinal cord on T1-weighted images and isointense or hyperintense on proton-density and T2-weighted images. The spinal cord was compressed in four patients but showed signal changes in only one. In five patients the lesions communicated through the intervertebral formaina with paravertebral soft tissue masses. In all but one of the patients diffuse signal changes in the vertebral body marrow consistent with osteolytic or osteobalstic changes were identified adjacent to or at distance from the epidural lesion. Vertebral collapse was observed in two patients.     

自发性脊髓硬膜外血肿的MRI表现

目的 对自发性脊髓硬膜外血肿(SSEH)的临床及MRI表现进行分析。方法 搜集1994～2001年的8例SSEH患者，其中男5例，女3例，年龄16～50岁。8例患者均无外伤、血液病等病史，1例有高血压病史，于发病4h至3d后分别行MR检查。8例均经手术病理证实。结果 血肿发生于颈椎3例、胸椎2例、颈胸交界部2例、胸腰段1例；血肿位于硬膜外腔的侧后方或正后方，呈梭形，范围长短不一，境界清楚。其中1例血肿为血管畸形(AVM)所致，有2例局部伴有椎间盘突出。血肿信号随时间长短各有差异，在T1WI矢状面和冠状面7例表现为等信号，1例表现为略高信号；在T2WI矢状面和轴面，6例表现为混杂信号，2例表现为混杂高信号。结论 MRI对SSEH的定位、定性及鉴别诊断具有重要作用。     

Symptomatic epidural gas after open diskectomy: CT and MR imaging findings

We report a case of symptomatic epidural gas accumulation after open diskectomy, causing lumbar radiculopathy. Surgery had been performed in a 44-year-old man for disk extrusion; however, he was readmitted to the hospital with increased lower back pain 5 months after the operation. CT and MR studies demonstrated accumulation of gas in the lumbar epidural space compressing the dural sac and nerve root. Symptoms disappeared after surgical removal of the gas.     

Advanced MRI imaging of nerve roots in lumbar radiculopathy due to discoradicular conflict: DWI,DTI, and T2 mapping with clinical and neurophysiological correlations

Purpose

To evaluate the lumbar nerve root alterations in patients with lumbar disc herniation sciatica using advanced multimodality MRI sequences and the correlations with clinical and neurophysiological findings.

Material and methods

We prospectively evaluated 45 patients suffering from unilateral lumbar radiculopathy due to disco radicular conflict. All patients underwent MRI examinations using a standard MRI protocol and additional advanced MRI sequences (DWI, DTI, and T2 mapping sequences). Relative metrics of ADC, FA, and T2 relaxation times were recorded by placing ROIs at the pre-, foraminal, and post-foraminal level, either at the affected side or the contralateral side, used as control. All patients were also submitted to electromyography testing, recording the spontaneous activity, voluntary activity, F wave amplitude, latency, and motor evoked potentials (MEP) amplitude and latency, both at the level of the tibialis anterior and the gastrocnemius. Clinical features (diseases duration, pain, sensitivity, strength, osteotendinous reflexes) were also recorded.

Results

Among clinical features, we found a positive correlation of pain intensity with ADC values of the lumbar nerve roots. The presence of spontaneous activity was correlated with lower ADC values of the affected lumbar nerve root. F wave and MEP latency were correlated with decreased FA values at the foraminal level and increased values at the post-foraminal level. The same neurophysiological measures correlated positively with pre-foraminal T2 mapping values and negatively with post-foraminal T2 mapping values. Increased T2 mapping values at the foraminal level were correlated with disease duration.

Conclusions

Evaluation of lumbar nerve roots using advanced MRI sequences may provide useful clinical information in patients with lumbar radiculopathy, potentially indicating active inflammation/myelinic damage (DTI, T2 mapping) and axonal damage/chronicity (DWI).

     

MRI of acute spinal epidural hematomas.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to determine the MR findings that characterize acute spinal epidural hematomas (ASEHs). METHOD: The MR findings of 17 patients with ASEH (9 cervical, 7 thoracic, and 2 lumbar) were reviewed. Fifteen of the hematomas were secondary to trauma and two were spontaneous. Correlation with CT (8 cases) and surgical findings (11 cases) was also performed. RESULTS: Imaging findings in ASEH were the following: (a) a variable signal intensity (on T1-weighted images, 10 showed isointensity to cord and 7 were slightly hyperintense; T2-weighted images showed hyperintensity with areas of hypointensity); (b) capping of epidural fat; (c) direct continuity with the adjacent osseous structures; (d) compression of epidural fat, subarachnoid sac, and spinal cord; (e) usually posterolateral location in the spinal canal. CONCLUSION: Epidural hematomas in the spinal canal are lesions capable of producing sudden spinal cord and/or cauda equina compression. MR provides characteristic findings that allow a prompt diagnosis of acute epidural hematomas.     

Epidural abscess of the cervical spine: MR findings in five cases.

Cervical epidural abscess is an uncommon infectious process of the spinal epidural space. Although this disorder is often unsuspected clinically, the patient's signs and symptoms may suggest other diagnoses that frequently lead to an MR examination. We retrospectively reviewed the MR examinations of five patients with surgically proved cervical epidural abscess in order to assist in the diagnosis of this clinically elusive disorder. Each epidural abscess was evaluated for MR signal intensity, location, extent, delineation, and enhancement pattern. We assessed the spinal cord for compression and signal intensity and analyzed the vertebrae, intervertebral disks, and paraspinal soft tissue. Compared with the spinal cord, the abscess was isointense or hypointense on T1-weighted spin-echo images and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. The abscess was hyperintense or isointense relative to the cord on T2* gradient-echo images. Enhancement of the abscess occurred in the two patients given an IV injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine. The epidural abscess was located anteriorly in three patients, posteriorly in one, and was circumferential in one. The abscess extended from two to nine vertebral bodies in length. In each case, the abscess caused some degree of spinal cord compression, and one patient had bright signal intensity within the cord on T2-weighted images. Three patients had MR changes of accompanying osteomyelitis and paravertebral abscess. MR imaging is useful in diagnosing cervical epidural abscess and in evaluating associated abnormality of the spinal cord, vertebral bodies, intervertebral disks, and paraspinal soft tissue.     

MR-based outcome predictors of lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection for lumbar radiculopathy caused by herniated intervertebral disc

Objectives

To evaluate the MR-based outcome predictors of lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection (ESI) for lumbar radiculopathy caused by herniated intervertebral disc (HIVD).

Methods

A total of 149 patients (male/female 75:74; mean age 51.5 years) with the very worst (87 patients) or the very best outcome (62 patients) after ESI were enrolled in this study. They were selected from 1,881 patients who underwent lumbar transforaminal ESI for lumbar radiculopathy caused by HIVD from January 2007 to December 2008. Two radiologists reviewed MR in consensus. Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to evaluate the difference between the two groups.

Results

HIVD in the foraminal–extraforaminal zone were significantly more common in the very best outcome group (16/24, 66.6 %) than HIVD in the central–subarticular zone (46/125, 36.8 %) (P?=?0.012). Other factors such as HIVD zone, T2-high signal, relation to nerve root, corner change, Modic change, disc height loss, grade of disc degeneration, and osteophyte were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

HIVD in the foraminal or extraforaminal zone is the only good MR-based outcome predictor of lumbar transforamial ESI for lumbar radiculopathy.

Key Points

? Transforaminal epidural steroid injection is now widely used to relieve lumbar radiculopathy. ? Herniated disc material in the foraminal/extraforaminal region helps predict a good outcome. ? Other features of the disc were not significant predictors.     

Stellenwert von Myelographie, Myelo-CT und MRT in der Diagnostik der zervikalen Radikulo- und Myelopathie

PURPOSE: This article gives an overview of the diagnostic possibilities available in the diagnosis of cervical myelo- and radiculopathy. We compared conventional myelography, CTM, and MRI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with clinical evidence of cervical myelo- or radiculopathy were included. Sagittal and transverse T1-weighted (T1w) TSE and T2-weighted (T2w) TSE sequences were compared with myelography and CTM. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon's -test. RESULTS: Disc herniation could be depicted in CTM as well as in MRI. The extent of herniation did not differ between CTM and T1w. The extent of herniation seemed higher on T2w than on T1w (p <0.001). Foraminal encroachment was easier to diagnose in CTM. When regarding transverse T1w and T2w images simultaneously, a missing root in MRI corresponded to a missing root in CTM and conventional myelography and vice versa. Our data demonstrated the relative inability of MRI to determine whether the compression is by soft tissue or bony structures. CONCLUSION: The present study proposes that MRI, when available, should be the imaging method of first choice in patients with suspected radiculo- and myelopathy.     

The value of magnetic resonance imaging in the differentiation between malignant peripheral nerve-sheath tumors and non-neurogenic malignant soft-tissue tumors

Objective To assess the sensitivity and specificity of MRI criteria in the differentiation between malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) and non-neurogenic malignant soft-tissue tumors (MSTT).Design and patients MRI examinations of 105 patients with pathologically proven malignant soft-tissue lesions (35 MPNST and 70 MSTT) were retrospectively reviewed, the reviewers being unaware of the pathological diagnosis. Using a standardized protocol, the tumors were evaluated for multiple parameters regarding morphology and appearance on different sequences before and after gadolinium contrast administration (location, distribution, delineation, homogeneity, size, shape, relationship to bone and neurovascular bundle, intralesional hemorrhage, necrosis, perilesional edema, lymphangitis and signal intensities). Results were compared using a chi-square or Fisher’s exact test.Results MRI findings suggestive of MPNST (p<0,05) were intermuscular distribution, location on the course of a large nerve, nodular morphology, and overall non-homogeneity on T1-weighted images, T2-weighted images and T1-weighted images after gadolinium contrast injection. MRI findings in favor of MSTT were intramuscular distribution, ill-delineated appearance of more than 20% of the lesion’s circumference, and presence of intralesional blood vessels, perilesional edema and lymphangitis. There is no significant difference for degree and pattern of enhancement after gadolinium contrast injection, nor for presence of bone involvement or cystic or necrotic areas.Conclusion MRI provides several features that contribute to the differentiation between MPNST and non-neurogenic malignant soft-tissue tumors. MRI findings suggestive of MPNST should be helpful to pathologists in the strategy for further examination.     

MRI findings in spinal subdural and epidural hematomas

BACKGROUND: Spinal hematomas are rare entities that can be the cause of an acute spinal cord compression syndrome. Therefore, an early diagnosis is of great importance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2001 to 2005 seven patients with intense back pain and/or acute progressive neurological deficit were studied via 1.5 T MRI (in axial and sagittal T1- and T2-weighted sequences). Follow-up MRI was obtained in six patients. RESULTS: Four patients showed the MRI features of a hyperacute spinal hematoma (two spinal subdural hematoma [SSH] and two spinal epidural hematoma [SEH]), isointense to the spinal cord on T1- and hyperintense on T2-weighted sequences. One patient had an early subacute SEH manifest as heterogeneous signal intensity with areas of high signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images. Another patient had a late subacute SSH with high signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted sequences. The final patient had a SEH in the late chronic phase being hypointense on T1- and T2-weighted sequences. DISCUSSION: MRI is valuable in diagnosing the presence, location and extent of spinal hematomas. Hyperacute spinal hematoma and the differentiation between SSH and SEH are particular diagnostic challenges. In addition, MRI is an important tool in the follow-up in patients with conservative treatment.     

急性硬脊膜外血肿的MRI研究

目的 探讨急性硬脊膜外血肿(ASEH)的发病机制、MRI表现特征及鉴别诊断。方法 15例ASEH病人，男8例，女7例，平均37．8岁。5例有脊柱损伤史，1例有脊柱手术史，1例有腰硬脊膜穿刺史，其余8例无特殊病史。11例经手术证实，2例经CT引导穿刺抽吸治疗并证实，2例经临床相应检查及随访证实。所有病人均行矢状面SE T1WI和快速SE(FSE)或SE T2WI。12例行横轴面FSE T2WI，8例行SE T1WI。4例行SE T1WI增强扫描。结果 15例血肿共发生于18个脊柱节段，其中6例次(6／18)位于颈段、9例次(9／18)位于胸段、3例次(3／18)位于腰段。7例次(7／18)血肿位于硬膜囊前方，11例次(11／18)位于硬膜囊后方。血肿累及1～13个椎体高度，平均4．87个椎体高度。T1WI上，所有血肿与脊髓之间均显示有线样低信号区。T2WI矢状面和横轴面上，分别有4例(4／15)和8例(8／12)在血肿与蛛网膜下腔之间显示有低信号线。矢状面上13例(13／15)血肿呈长梭形，横轴面上均呈双凸镜形或半圆形。SE T1WI上，5例呈等T1信号，6例呈短T1信号，4例呈等、短T1混杂信号；T2WI上，5例呈短T2信号，10例呈短、长T2混杂信号。4例增强扫描无特异性。结论 ASEH的MRI表现具有特征性，可为诊断及鉴别诊断提供依据。     

脊椎骨髓炎的MRI诊断

目的确定MRI对脊椎骨髓炎的诊断价值.方法对26例经临床或手术病理证实的脊椎骨髓炎的MR影像表现进行回顾性分析.MR检查方法为矢状位和轴位常规SE序列T1WI及T2WI,Gd-DTPA T1WI.结果26例患者中,单纯脊椎骨髓炎3例,相邻椎体及椎间盘受累9例,相邻椎体,椎间盘及椎旁软组织受累12例,合并硬膜外脓肿2例.病变椎体和椎间盘MRI表现为长T1、长T2信号,椎旁软组织呈等T1、长T2信号.病变椎体、椎间盘和椎旁软组织影可见不同程度的异常强化.结论MRI对脊椎骨髓炎的早期诊断和指导治疗具有重要意义.     

Primary vertebral and spinal epidural non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with spinal cord compression

We examined eight patients with primary spinal epidural non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting with spinal cord compression and proven histologically after laminectomy (7 cases) or biopsy (1 case) by MRI. The most common findings were an isointense or low signal relative to the spinal cord on T1-weighted images (T1WI) and high signal on T2-weighted images (T2WI). Spinal cord compression, vertebral bone marrow and paravertebral extension were assessed. Contrast enhancement was intense in seven of the eight cases and homogeneous in all of them. T2WI (performed in 2 cases) may be useful to distinguish metastatic carcinomas and sarcomas. T1WI demonstrated the full extent of the epidural lesion, which was well-delineated in all cases. When the paravertebral extension is not well-defined, a study with contrast medium should be performed.     

MRI findings of extramedullary haemopoiesis

Extramedullary haemopoiesis (EH) is a compensatory process associated with chronic haemolytic anaemia. It is rare, however, for such an abnormality to cause spinal cord compression. We present two patients with known beta-thalassaemia intermedia who developed spinal cord compression due to masses of extramedullary haematopoietic tissue in the epidural space of the thoracic spine. The EH masses were diagnosed by MRI as an isointense epidural lesion on both T1- and T2-weighted images, compressing severely the spinal cord. After administration of a paramagnetic agent, an intermediate enhancement of the masses was evident. All the vertebral bodies had low to intermediate signal intensity as a result of displacement of fatty marrow by haematopoietic marrow. Expansion of thoracic ribs with bilateral paravertebral masses were characteristic. A small dose of radiotherapy was given and marked improvement in neurological symptoms was evident. An MRI examination established shrinkage of the mass and decompression of spinal cord. The role of MRI in diagnosis of EH masses is essential and radiation therapy is a very effective treatment for this rare complication.     

Enhanced lumbar nerve roots in the spine without prior surgery: radiculitis or radicular veins?

PURPOSETo evaluate the clinical significance of continuous intradural lumbosacral nerve root enhancement in symptomatic patients without prior lumbar surgery.METHODSFifty-three patients without prior back surgery, referred to our institution for evaluation of low-back pain and radiculopathy, were studied with gadolinium-enhanced MR (0.1 mmol/kg) of the lumbar spine. Scans were reviewed for the presence of lumbosacral nerve root enhancement and any associated nerve root compression. Results were correlated with clinical history and physical examinations.RESULTSSeventeen continuously enhancing nerve roots and two enhancing fila terminale were observed in 13 patients. Eight of 17 (47%) had no referable symptoms. Nine of these nerve roots (53%) were not associated with any degree of nerve root compression. Seven cases (41%) were noted to have flow-related enhancement on the entry section of the T1-weighted axial sequence.CONCLUSIONSLumbosacral nerve root enhancement correlates poorly with clinical radiculopathy. The use of contrast enhancement to detect lumbosacral nerve root enhancement in cases in which the unenhanced scan is less than diagnostic is not warranted. The high association between lumbosacral nerve root enhancement and entry-section flow-related enhancement suggests that these enhancing structures within the cauda equina are vessels. It is likely that lumbosacral nerve root enhancement represents intravascular enhancement of radicular veins and not a breakdown in the blood-nerve barrier.     

Radiologic diagnosis of spondylodiscitis: role of magnetic resonance

PURPOSE: To report the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) features of acute and chronic spontaneous spondylodiscitis as well as any typical patterns which can be useful for the differential diagnosis between pyogenic and tuberculous forms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven patients affected with spontaneous spondylodiscitis were selected for the study; they were 7 men and 4 women ranging in age 33-87 years (mean: 64). We excluded the patients with iatrogenic spondylodiscitis. MR images were acquired with a superconductive magnet at 1.5, with the following sequences: sagittal PD and T2-weighted TSE, sagittal T1-weighted SE, axial PD and T2-weighted TSE for the lumbar spine, axial T2-weighted GRE for the cervical and dorsal spine and axial and sagittal T1-weighted SE after contrast agent (gadolinium DTPA) injection. MR images were reviewed by three experienced radiologists and morphological and signal intensity changes of vertebral body and disk were recorded on a standard form. In 9 patients it was possible to compare MR to CT findings. RESULTS: At the time of our observation all patients reported pain at the spine level, associated with fever and weight loss in 50% of cases and with increased values of the inflammatory markers. Three patients had infectious diseases in other organs and 2 were diabetics. Biopsy was performed in two cases only and demonstrated Staphylococcus aureus in one and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the other patient. MRI allowed the correct diagnosis to be made in all cases, demonstrating the pathological involvement of the paravertebral structures and into the spinal canal earlier and more accurately than CT. A common finding in pyogenic and tuberculous spondylodiscitis was the low signal of the subcortical bone marrow on T1-weighted sagittal images, which enhanced after Gd-DTPA administration and became intermediate or high on T2-weighted images. Moreover, the steady high signal intensity of the disk on T2-weighted images and its contrast enhancement on T1-weighted images is typical for an acute inflammatory process. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our personal experience and literature data, we believe MRI to be the most sensitive technique for the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis in the acute phase, whereas it is comparable to CT in the chronic stage of the disease. At present MRI does not allow to differentiate pyogenic from tuberculous forms.     

Optimising the image of the intradural nerve root: the value of MR radiculography

We evaluated the additional value of MR radiculography for increasing the sensitivity and specificity of MRI with regard to nerve root compression in patients with sciatica. The single slices of a heavily T 2-weighted oblique coronal image set were reformatted with a maximum intensity projection protocol. This image resembles a classical contrast radiculogram and shows the intradural nerve root and its sleeve. In 43 patients studied with a standard MRI examination there was a need for further assessment of nerve root compression in 19 (44 %). In 13 (68 %) of these, MR radiculography made a definite verdict possible. Received: 30 June 1995 Accepted: 31 January 1996     

Incremental value of magnetic resonance neurography of Lumbosacral plexus over non-contributory lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging in radiculopathy: A prospective study

AIM: To test the incremental value of 3T magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) in a series of unilateral radiculopathy patients with non-contributory magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).METHODS: Ten subjects (3 men, 7 women; mean age 54 year and range 22-74 year) with unilateral lumbar radiculopathy and with previous non-contributory lumbar spine MRI underwent lumbosacral (LS) plexus MRN over a period of one year. Lumbar spine MRI performed as part of the MRN LS protocol as well as bilateral L4-S1 nerves, sciatic, femoral and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves were evaluated in each subject for neuropathy findings on both anatomic (nerve signal, course and caliber alterations) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tensor maps (nerve signal and caliber alterations). Minimum fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean apparent diffusion coeffcient (ADC) of L4-S2 nerve roots, sciatic and femoral nerves were recorded.RESULTS: All anatomic studies and 80% of DTI imaging received a good-excellent imaging quality grading. In a blinded evaluation, all 10 examinations demonstrated neural and/or neuromuscular abnormality corresponding to the site of radiculopathy. A number of contributory neuropathy findings including double crush syndrome were observed. On DTI tensor maps, nerve signal and caliber alterations were more conspicuous. Although individual differences were observed among neuropathic appearing nerve (lower FA and increased ADC) as compared to its contralateral counterpart, there were no significant mean differences on statistical comparison of LS plexus nerves, femoral and sciatic nerves (P > 0.05).CONCLUSION: MRN of LS plexus is useful modality for the evaluation of patients with non-contributory MRI of lumbar spine as it can incrementally delineate the etiology and provide direct objective and non-invasive evidence of neuromuscular pathology.