Quantitative in vivo imaging of median and ulnar nerves using ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI: a feasibility study

Motivation: Improvements in the medical imaging of nerves have broad medical applications in the diagnosis, tracking, and management of peripheral nerve disease, injury, and treatment. Goal(s): We aim to demonstrate the feasibility of quantitative in vivo imaging of median and ulnar nerves using ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI. Approach: UTE magnetization transfer (MT) prepared Cones (UTE MT-Cones), UTE MT Fat-Sat-Cones, and UTE Multi-echo-T2-FS-Cones sequences were performed in nine healthy adults using a clinical 3T scanner. Results: Cross-sectional area (CSA), T2*, MMF, and all MTR values were lower in the ulnar nerve, but the differences were significant only for CSA, non-fat-sat MTR 800-2k and 500-10k. Impact: This demonstration of high-contrast, quantitative imaging of the wrist nerve has considerable potential in practical applications for managing and monitoring nerve disease, injury, and treatment.