Vascular compromise in a torsed transposed ulnar nerve case in support of intravenous contrast administration

Abstract

Nerve torsion is a recognized etiology in brachial and peripheral neuropathy. Vascular compromise of peripheral nerves is uncommon given their unique vascular supply. Preoperative imaging diagnosis of nerve torsion and vascular compromise can be made in some cases, which impacts treatment. We present a previously unreported case of long segment torsion and vascular compromise of the ulnar nerve following anterior subcutaneous transposition with a description of the imaging findings based on the unique structure of the nerve and the presence of a blood nerve barrier (BNB) and a discussion of the potential vulnerability of a transposed and torsed nerve.

Keywords: Blood-nerve barrier; Enhancement; Entwinement; MRI; Nerve; Torsion; Transposed; Ultrasound.