Adding Value to the Magnetic Resonance Examination in a Case of Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy

• Published in: Journal of clinical imaging science Vol. 8; no. 1; p. 38
• Main Authors: Dsouza, Ajay, Tandon, Sachin, Gundogan, Munire, Abdalla, Abdalla
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Wolters Kluwer India Pvt. Ltd 01.01.2018; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd; Scientific Scholar; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd
• Subjects: Abnormalities; Case Report; Childbirth & labor; Injuries; Magnetic resonance imaging; NMR; Nuclear magnetic resonance; Rehabilitation; Spinal cord; Surgery; Brachial plexus birth palsy; pseudomeningocele; magnetic resonance imaging brachial plexus; periscalene soft-tissue sign; glenohumeral dysplasia
• ISSN: 2156-7514; 2156-5597; 2156-7514
• DOI: 10.4103/jcis.JCIS_26_18

We report a case of brachial plexus birth palsy in an infant with the inability to move the left upper limb since birth. There was neither history of birth trauma nor any complications during delivery. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of brachial plexus showed postganglionic injury with musculoskeletal abnormalities. The child underwent surgical repair of the plexus and is on physical rehabilitation. In this case report, we discuss the utility of a single MRI examination with an elaborate discussion on various MRI signs of brachial plexus injury including secondary musculoskeletal manifestations. The case reiterates the significance of two-in-one approach while imaging these cases with MRI. Apart from reporting the damage to the brachial plexus, the radiologist should actively search for glenohumeral dysplasia. Awareness of classification and assessment of glenohumeral dysplasia should be routinely included as an integral part of imaging report as it adds incremental value to the overall patient management and functional outcome.