Peripheral Neuropathy in Diabetes: What Can MRI Do?

Diabetes peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is commonly asymptomatic in the early stage. However, once symptoms and obvious defects appear, recovery is not possible. Diagnosis of neuropathy is based on physical examinations, questionnaires, nerve conduction studies, skin biopsies, and so on. However, the diagnosis of DPN is still challenging, and early diagnosis and immediate intervention are very important for prevention of the development and progression of diabetic neuropathy. The advantages of MRI in the diagnosis of DPN are obvious: the peripheral nerve imaging is clear, the lesions can be found intuitively, and the quantitative evaluation of the lesions is the basis for the diagnosis, classification, and follow-up of DPN. With the development of magnetic resonance technology, more and more studies have been conducted on detection of DPN. This article reviews the research field of MRI in DPN.

Automated summary

Diabetes peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is often symptomless in its early stage, but irreversible once symptoms and obvious defects appear. Diagnosis of neuropathy relies on physical examinations, questionnaires, nerve conduction studies, skin biopsies, etc. However, diagnosing DPN remains challenging, and early diagnosis and immediate intervention are crucial in preventing the development and progression of diabetic neuropathy. The clear peripheral nerve imaging, intuitive lesion detection, and quantitative evaluation provided by MRI have made it advantageous in diagnosing, classifying, and following-up DPN. With advancements in magnetic resonance technology, more studies have been conducted on the detection of DPN. This article reviews the research field of MRI in DPN.