Clinical application of 3D MRI in diagnosis and treatment of brachial plexus and subclavian artery compression by tumors

Objective To explore the diagnostic advantages and clinical application value of 3D MRI neurovascular fusion technique in brachial plexus with subclavian artery lesions caused by tumor compression. Methods From December 2014 to December 2017, 5 patients were treated, including 2 cases of breast cancer metastasis, 2 cases of schwannoma and 1 case of lung cancer metastasis. The pathological changes of brachial plexus and subclavian artery caused by tumor compression were preliminarily considered by clinical examination, electromyography, ultrasound and CT. All the patients underwent three-dimensional reconstruction using 3D MRI neurovascular fusion technique. The abnormal condition of brachial plexus and subclavian artery was determined according to three-dimensional anatomical model, and the treatment plan was worked out. Results Three-dimensional reconstruction and digital fusion were performed in 5 patients with tumors and anatomical structures of brachial plexus and subclavian artery. The reconstructed images of blood vessels and nerves were well displayed, and the treatment plan was formulated on the basis of these images. There were 4 cases of operation and 1 case of conservative treatment. The intraoperative manifestations of the patients were consistent with the imaging manifestations, and the therapeutic effect reached the expected goal. The patients performed conservative treatment can timely understand the condition and choose other treatment options. Conclusion 3D MRI can clearly and vividly display the structure of the tumors, such as the brachial plexus and the subclavian artery, and provide the imaging basis for diagnosis and treatment. This technique can be further studied and applied. Key words: Brachial plexus; Neoplasms; 3D MRI; Subclavian artery