Quantitative Imaging in Muscle Diseases with Focus on Non-proton MRI and Other Advanced MRI Techniques

Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2020; 24: 402-412 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1712955The role of neuromuscular imaging in the diagnosis of inherited and acquired muscle diseases has gained clinical relevance. In particular, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), especially whole-body applications, is increasingly being used for the diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. In addition, they are considered as a powerful outcome measure in clinical trials. Because many muscle diseases have a distinct muscle involvement pattern, whole-body imaging can be of diagnostic value by identifying this pattern and thus narrowing the differential diagnosis and supporting the clinical diagnosis. In addition, more advanced MRI applications including non-proton MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, perfusion MRI, T2 mapping, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy provide deeper insights into muscle pathophysiology beyond the mere detection of fatty degeneration and/or muscle edema. In this review article, we present and discuss recent data on these quantitative MRI techniques in muscle diseases, with a particular focus on non-proton imaging techniques. [...] Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text
Source: Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Review Article Source Type: research