Spectrum of suprascapular nerve lesions: normal and abnormal neuromuscular imaging appearances on 3-T MR neurography

Shivani Ahlawat; Vibhor Wadhwa; Allan J Belzberg; Kiran Batra; Avneesh Chhabra

doi:10.2214/AJR.14.12974

Spectrum of suprascapular nerve lesions: normal and abnormal neuromuscular imaging appearances on 3-T MR neurography

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2015 Mar;204(3):589-601. doi: 10.2214/AJR.14.12974.

Authors

Shivani Ahlawat¹, Vibhor Wadhwa, Allan J Belzberg, Kiran Batra, Avneesh Chhabra

Affiliation

¹ 1 The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.

PMID: 25714290
DOI: 10.2214/AJR.14.12974

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. In this article, we will review the normal anatomy and imaging features of various neuromuscular abnormalities related to suprascapular neuropathy. CONCLUSION. Suprascapular neuropathy can be difficult to distinguish from rotator cuff pathology, plexopathy, and radiculopathy. Electrodiagnostic studies are considered the reference standard for diagnosis; however, high-resolution 3-T MR neurography (MRN) can play an important role. MRN enables direct visualization of the nerve and simultaneous assessment of the cervical spine, brachial plexus, and rotator cuff.

Keywords: MR neurography (MRN); Parsonage-Turner syndrome; double crush syndrome; rotator cuff; suprascapular nerve.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
Neuroimaging*
Peripheral Nervous System / injuries*
Peripheral Nervous System / pathology*
Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis*
Rotator Cuff / pathology*
Rotator Cuff Injuries*
Scapula