Imaging effect of 3D-nerve sequence on brachial plexus in neonates / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective: To analyze the imaging effect of 3D-nerve on brachial plexus in neonates compared with DWI with background body singal suppression (DWIBS), 3D-short T1 inversion recovery (3D-STIR). Methods: A total of 15 neonates with brachial plexus injury were recruited and underwent MR scan with sequences including 3D-nerve, DWBIS, 3D-STIR. Images were evaluated for pulsation artifact, heterogeneous fat saturation, brachial plexus branches, nerve-fat ratio, nerve-muscle ratio. Results: The brachial plexus showed poor results in DWIBS sequence images, which could not be observed. Pulsation artifact and heterogeneous fat saturation had no statistical significance between 3D-nerve and 3D-STIR (both P>0.05). 3D-nerve and 3D-STIR showed 100% (15/15) of the brachial plexus roots and brachial plexus trunks. Brachial plexus bundles, brachial plexus branches were seen in 100% (15/15), 66.67% (10/15) on 3D nerve and 93.33% (14/15), 53.33% (8/15) on 3D-STIR, the differences were not statistically significant (P=1.00, 0.71). 3D-nerve performed better nerve-to-fat ratio and neuro-to-muscle ratio compared with 3D-STIR (both P<0.05). Conclusion: The 3D-nerve performed better for neonatal brachial plexus injury than DWBIS and 3D-STIR.