Mastering the Interpretation of Brachial Plexus: Essential Insights for Radiologists

The brachial plexus is a complex network of nerves formed by spinal nerves from C5 to T1 and is responsible for upper limb function. The complex anatomy and the relatively rare need for imaging makes it particularly challenging for radiologists, often causing it to be the last case selected from the shared worklist. In this paper, we aim to demystify the challenges of brachial plexus imaging. MRI is particularly favored as an imaging tool due to its strength in visualizing soft tissue details. Brachial plexopathies are generally categorized into traumatic and nontraumatic. Nontraumatic causes include tumors such as neurofibromas and schwannomas, and inflammatory conditions like sarcoidosis. This review is designed to bolster the capabilities of radiologists, providing them with imaging strategies and essential insights for diagnosing brachial plexopathies.