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brachial_plexus [2026/06/11 03:34] – scottbrachial_plexus [2026/07/20 13:50] (current) – [Tips and Tricks] scott
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-The dorsal plane is particularly useful when scanning for brachial plexus pathology, as it provides a good overview of both forelimbs symmetrically. As a first screening sequence, the dorsal should cover from the sternum to just past the vertebral bodies, with the FOV large enough to demonstrate both forelimbs and shoulders. The __Brachial Plexus__ nerves exit ventrocaudally  from C4/5 to T1/2 and extend into the forelimbs and dorsal to the humeral head. Incidental findings are also frequently located on the dorsal plane (Right image, red arrow)+The dorsal plane is particularly useful when scanning for brachial plexus pathology, as it provides a good overview of both forelimbs symmetrically. As a first screening sequence, the dorsal should cover from the sternum to just past the vertebral bodies, with the FOV large enough to demonstrate both forelimbs and shoulders. The __Brachial Plexus__ nerves exit ventrocaudally  from C4/5 to T1/2 and extend into the forelimbs and dorsal to the humeral head. Some plexus pathology may lead to changes in the signal intensity of muscles (Right image, red arrow)
  
 {{::bplexusdorplan.png?500|}}{{:dorincidental.png?500|}} {{::bplexusdorplan.png?500|}}{{:dorincidental.png?500|}}
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 ===Selecting Phase Direction=== ===Selecting Phase Direction===
  
-When imaging the brachial plexus, any phase direction may be used, but the A/P direction will allow for greater flexibility. A/P phase direction may allow for a rectangular FOV and reduced oversampling, both of which will save time that can be used for other motion reduction strategies. Unlike the cervical spine, saturation bands should not be used ventral to the spine to reduce flow and respiration artifact, as the nerves of interest run parallel to all the vessels and would be obscured. +When imaging the brachial plexus, any phase direction for sagittal and axial imagingmay be used, but the A/P direction will allow for greater flexibility. A/P phase direction may allow for a rectangular FOV and reduced oversampling, both of which will save time that can be used for other motion reduction strategies. Unlike the cervical spine, saturation bands should not be used ventral to the spine to reduce flow and respiration artifact, as the nerves of interest run parallel to all the vessels and would be obscured. 
  
 ===Reducing Motion and Flow=== ===Reducing Motion and Flow===
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   * Use Dixon techniques for fat saturation (Dixon, FLEX, IDEAL)   * Use Dixon techniques for fat saturation (Dixon, FLEX, IDEAL)
   * SPAIR/SPECIAL techniques may be a bit more homogenous if available   * SPAIR/SPECIAL techniques may be a bit more homogenous if available
-  * Manually shim to the area around the thoracic inlet+  * Manually shim to the area of interest
   * Position and scan close the isocenter   * Position and scan close the isocenter
   * Use the smallest appropriate FOV   * Use the smallest appropriate FOV