Active Utilization of the Magic Angle Effect to Enhance Visualization of Upper Limb Peripheral Nerves

Motivation: This study aimed to improve the visualization of upper limb peripheral nerves in MR neurography (MRN) by utilizing the magic angle effect(MAE), which may enhance nerve imaging quality. Goal(s): The study assessed how various elbow angles, especially 55°, affect nerve depiction in quantitative double-echo steady-state (qDESS) imaging. Approach: Ten healthy volunteers were imaged at 0°, 30°, 45°, and 55° angles using a Philips 3.0T system; evaluations included quantitative and visual assessments. Results: Nerve contrast significantly increased at 55°, indicating that leveraging MAE enhances nerve depiction for clinical assessments and surgical planning. Impact: The magic angle effect enhanced neurography in qDESS improved the visualization of nerves, which has the potential to aid in diagnosing and monitoring neuropathy.