What kind of MRI is used for thoracic outlet syndrome?

Hypothesis. MRI is effective in diagnosing the source of compression in TOS, notably within the scalene triangle and at the pleural apex.

Is brachial plexus injury the same as thoracic outlet syndrome?

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is caused by compression of the brachial plexus and/or subclavian vessels as they pass through the cervicothoracobrachial region, exiting the chest. There are three main types of TOS: neurogenic TOS, arterial TOS, and venous TOS.

Can MRI diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome?

For diagnosing a cervical rib, MRI had 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Conclusion: MRI can contribute to the diagnosis of TOS. Specificity is sufficiently high to provide guidance for planning the surgical procedure. Sensitivity, however, is too low for MRI to be useful as a screening test.

What is the best way to diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome?

Ultrasound. An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your body. It’s often the first imaging test used to help diagnose thoracic outlet syndrome. Doctors may use this test to see if you have vascular thoracic outlet syndrome or other vascular problems.

What is MRI brachial plexus?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brachial plexus is the imaging modality of first choice for depict- ing anatomy and pathology of the brachial plexus. The anatomy of the roots, trunks, divisions and cords is. very well depicted due to the inherent contrast differences between the nerves and the surrounding fat.

How do you take a picture of thoracic outlet syndrome?

Ultrasound / CT / MRI / Angiography Imaging with ultrasound, contrast-enhanced CT, MRI or conventional angiography is useful for detecting vascular thoracic outlet syndrome (e.g. arterial and/or venous compression).

How long is MRI of brachial plexus?

85 – 120 minutes
The MRI may be anywhere from 85 – 120 minutes; your ultrasound should be 90 minutes or less.

What does brachial plexus mean?

The brachial plexus is the network of nerves that sends signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm and hand. A brachial plexus injury occurs when these nerves are stretched, compressed, or in the most serious cases, ripped apart or torn away from the spinal cord.

Does thoracic outlet syndrome cause neck pain?

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in the space between your collarbone and your first rib (thoracic outlet) are compressed. This can cause shoulder and neck pain and numbness in your fingers.

What is the surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome?

Scalenectomy. In a scalenectomy, the scalene muscles—which pass through the thoracic outlet—are removed to reduce compression on the nerves, arteries, and veins in the area. This helps to reduce pain and prevent blood clots in people with neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome.