[Expert recommendations for magnetic resonance imaging of muscle disorders].

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance (MRI) imaging of the skeletal muscles (muscle MRI for short) is increasingly being used in clinical routine for diagnosis and longitudinal assessment of muscle disorders. However, cross-centre standards for measurement protocol and radiological assessment are still lacking.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this expert recommendation is to present standards for the application and interpretation of muscle MRI in hereditary and inflammatory muscle disorders.

METHODS: This work was developed in collaboration between neurologists, neuroradiologists, radiologists, neuropaediatricians, neuroscientists and MR physicists from different university hospitals in Germany. The recommendations are based on expert knowledge and a focused literature search.

RESULTS: The indications for muscle MRI are explained, including the detection and monitoring of structural tissue changes and oedema in the muscle, as well as the identification of a suitable biopsy site. Recommendations for the examination procedure and selection of appropriate MRI sequences are given. Finally, steps for a structured radiological assessment are presented.

CONCLUSIONS: The present work provides concrete recommendations for the indication, implementation and interpretation of muscle MRI in muscle disorders. Furthermore, it provides a possible basis for the standardisation of the measurement protocols at all clinical centres in Germany.