Abstract：Objectives: To investigate the MRI features of the neurogenic muscular atrophy(NMA), and evaluate the clinical value of MRI in the diagnosis of these diseases． Materials and Methods: Thirty cases of NMA confirmed clinically underwent MRI. Spin echo sequence, fast spin echo sequence and short tau inversion recovery(STIR) were utilized． Results: Fifteen cases with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS), in which glossal muscle atrophy seen in 4 cases, lumbrical and interossei atrophy seen in 6 cases and the hyperintense signal intensity was also showed in the involved muscles on T2WI and STIR, the mixed signal intensity of the bilateral thigh was seen in one case, muscular atrophy of bilateral palms was seen in 4 cases and the signal intensity of the involved muscles was normal. The calf atrophy was demonstrated in one case with spinal muscle atrophy and two cases with Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome, and the hyperintense signal intensity of the involved muscles was seen on T2WI and T1WI. Lumbrical and interossei atrophy with hyperintense signal intensity on T2WI and STIR was seen in 8 cases with Hirayama Disease. The mixed signal intensity was seen in 4 cases with neurogenic muscular atrophy of unilateral lower extremity. Conclusions: The neurogenic muscular atrophy possesses two characteristics: muscular atrophy and fat replacement and/or muscular necrosis are demonstrated in the diseased muscles.
2007, Vol. 18 
