Review of Imaging Modalities in Neuromuscular Disorders

Over the past four decades, numerous advances in imaging modalities have improved the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular diseases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (US), the most common imaging modalities in neuromuscular medicine, each have benefits and limitations. MRI has a large field of view, is better at identifying deeper structures, and can incorporate contrast and different imaging sequences. However, it involves higher costs and requires patients to lie flat for prolonged periods of time. Conversely, US is faster, well-tolerated, and cost-effective with high spatial resolution, but identifying deeper structures is limited. Consequently, MRI is more useful for imaging nerve roots and inherited myopathies, whereas US has advantages in peripheral neuropathies. This review focuses on imaging of nerves and muscles in common neuromuscular conditions.