Normal T2 relaxometry values of peripheral nerves on 3.0T MRI in healthy Mexican subjects: an exploratory study

Abstract

T2 relaxometry in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides quantitative information on peripheral nerves. This study aimed to determine the normal MRI 3.0T T2 relaxometry values of the ulnar, median, and sciatic peripheral nerves in healthy Mexican subjects. This cross-sectional study examined the T2 relaxation times and T2 maps in 3.0T MRI of four anatomical regions: the elbow at the level of the cubital tunnel to assess the ulnar nerve; the wrist at the level of the carpal tunnel to assess the median nerve and the right and left hip at the level of the piriformis muscles to assess the sciatic nerves of both hips. One hundred twenty peripheral nerves from 30 healthy Mexican volunteers were examined: 30 ulnar nerves, 30 median nerves, 30 right sciatic nerves, and 30 left sciatic nerves. The mean ± SD T2 relaxation time of the ulnar nerve was 73.91 ms ± 16.8 ms; of the median nerve, 58.8 ms ± 9 ms; of the right sciatic nerve, 70.5 ms ± 13.9 ms and of the left sciatic nerve, 70.2 ms ± 17.2 ms. The T2 relaxometry values of the ulnar, median, and sciatic peripheral nerves averaged 59 to 74 ms. These values are comparable to normal reference values in other populations. This study is the first that establishes normal T2 relaxometry values in healthy Mexican subjects.