Magnetic resonance imaging signal hyperintensity of neural tissues in diffuse chronic pain syndromes: a pilot study.

In this pilot study we use T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify possible peripheral nerve inflammation in 4 patients with diffuse chronic pain. In all 4 patients, there was an increase in median and ulnar nerve T2 signal intensity at the wrist (P < 0.05 vs. controls). Positive clinical signs of peripheral nerve mechanosensitivity combined with MRI findings suggest that these patients may have an underlying peripheral nerve pathology.