MR Imaging of the Brachial Plexus: A Practical Review

Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2025 May;33(2):331-350. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2025.01.008. Epub 2025 Feb 22.

Abstract

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves responsible for the motor and sensory innervation of the upper extremity and upper chest. Pathologies affecting this structure can lead to significant morbidity, ranging from pain and sensory deficits to profound motor impairment. MR imaging is the modality of choice for imaging the brachial plexus. This review provides an overview of brachial plexus imaging, emphasizing practical aspects, anatomic landmarks, and imaging protocols, as well as a wide range of pathologies ranging from traumatic injury to inflammatory, idiopathic, hypertrophic, and neoplastic conditions.

Keywords: Brachial plexopathy; Brachial plexus; Brachial plexus neoplasms; Hypertrophic plexopathy; MR imaging; Parsonage-turner syndrome; Radiation plexopathy; Traumatic brachial plexus injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brachial Plexus Neuropathies* / diagnostic imaging
  • Brachial Plexus* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* / methods