The value of quantitative MRI using 1.5 T magnet in diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of quantitative MRI parameters using 1.5 T magnet in evaluation of MN in CTS. Patients and methods: From August 2015 and July 2016. Twenty patients diagnosed as having CTS and other ten healthy volunteers, underwent a quantitative MRI examination of the wrist with T2 SPAIR and DWI sequences. A computation of SIR, ADC values at different levels and ADC ratio was made. Results: There was significant increase in SIR in CTS patients at DRUJ and pisiform. SIR at pisiform was significantly correlated with operative documentation of bulbous nerve swelling. There was increase in mean ADC value of MN in CTS when moving from proximal to distal locations, in contrast to normal subjects. SIR and ADC value were specific especially when measured at the pisiform. Cutoff values of 1 for ADC ratio showed high Specificity, and Overall accuracy. Conclusion: Quantitative 1.5 T MRI is an accurate diagnostic tool in CTS. The increase in MN ADC value from proximal to distal with an ADC ratio cutoff value of 1 is highly accurate in diagnosing CTS.

Keywords

• Quantitative MRI
• ADC
• Carpal tunnel syndrome