Magnetic Resonance as a Method for Diagnosis for Traumatic Lesions by Brachial Plexus Avulsion

Abstract

Objective The incidence of traumatic brachial plexus injuries has been increasing considerably in Brazil, mainly due to the increase in the number of motorcycle accidents. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of brachial plexus avulsion lesions, comparing it with the findings of physical and intraoperative examination.

Methods A total of 16 patients with brachial plexus injury were prospectively evaluated and treated at the hand surgery outpatient clinic from our service. All patients underwent MRI of the brachial plexus, and the findings were inserted on a table, as well as the physical examination data, and part of the patients had the plexus evaluated intraoperatively.

Results In the present study, the accuracy of MRI in the identification of root avulsion was 100%, with 100% sensitivity and specificity when comparing imaging with surgical findings.

Conclusion Magnetic resonance imaging showed high sensitivity and specificity, confirmed by intraoperative findings, which allows considering this test as the gold standard in the diagnosis of avulsion in traumatic brachial plexus injuries.

Keywords

brachial plexus/diagnostic imaging - brachial plexus/injuries - brachial plexus/surgery - peripheral nerve injuries - magnetic resonance imaging - diagnosis differential

Study developed at the Hospital Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Publication History

Received: 11 January 2021

Accepted: 14 May 2021

Article published online:
04 November 2021

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