We describe the main magnetic resonance features of neuromuscular diseases based on a series of 345 patients undergoing muscle MR scans. The study aimed to establish the use of this method in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease, namely its ability to distinguish neurogenic forms from primary myopathy by analysing the location, extension and distribution of structural changes. A selective muscle involvement was encountered in some myogenic diseases and can be considered a characteristic feature of different diseases and hence an important aid in diagnosis. We propose that MR scanning be included among the instrumental tests required in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease.
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