Abstract
The peripheral nervous system is increasingly being investigated using medical imaging
as a complement or in association with electrodiagnostics tests. The application of
imaging techniques, such as ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
allows detailed visualization of the peripheral nervous system. According to the European
Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology, the use of US for nerve evaluation is strongly
encouraged. In addition, the role of US is further enhanced by the wide application
of US-guided techniques to diagnose or to treat peripheral nerve disorders.
Standard evaluation of peripheral nerves on US usually relies on cross-sectional area
evaluation with different cutoff values in the osteofibrous tunnels and outside them.
In several anatomical areas, side-to-side comparison is highly recommended because
it helps distinguish subtle variations by using the unaffected limb as an internal
control.
US is widely used to perform US-guided interventional procedures on peripheral nerves.
The recent development of radiomics and machine and deep learning applied to peripheral
nerves may reveal new insights beyond the capabilities of the human eye. Radiomics
may have a role in expanding the diagnostic capabilities of US and MRI in the study
of peripheral nerve pathology, especially when the cross-sectional area is not markedly
increased.
Keywords
peripheral nerve - ultrasound - magnetic resonance imaging - radiomics - cross-sectional
area
