30 January 2026 : Review article
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound and MRI in the Evaluation of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Review
Yuxia Zuo BCE 1, Xingchao Xu BC 2, Cai Wu E 2, Xue Cui CE 2, Xiangqi Li A 2*DOI: 10.12659/MSM.951283
Med Sci Monit 2026; 32:e951283
Introduction
Pathogenesis of Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy
MSUS Technical Principles and Equipment Selection
Characteristic MSUS Manifestations of CIPN
Quantitative Assessment Parameters of MSUS
Advantages and Limitations of MSUS
Core Technical Principles of MRI (DTI/DKI)
The Correlation Between MRI Features, CIPN Pathology, and Clinical Scales
Quantitative Assessment Parameters of MRI
Limitations and Reproducibility Challenges of MRI
Standardized Protocol for Peripheral Nervous System Examination
Future Directions
Conclusions
References
Table 3 Comparison of diagnostic performance between MSUS and MRI in evaluating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
| Comparison dimension | Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) | Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic sensitivity | High detection rate for acute edema in superficial nerves (median nerve, ulnar nerve) | High detection rate for microstructural damage in deep nerves (sciatic nerve, sacral plexus) |
| Resolution and penetration depth | High-frequency probe (10–18 MHz): resolution of 0.1 mm, penetration depth <3 cm; Low-frequency probe: penetration depth up to 5 cm, resolution reduced to 0.3 mm | 3.0T equipment: resolution of nerve fascicles is 0.2 mm, penetration depth >10 cm, but insufficient resolution for distal nerves with diameter <2 mm (eg, interphalangeal/interdigital nerves) |
| Clinical applicability | Suitable for bedside rapid screening (5-10 minutes per examination) and dynamic monitoring during chemotherapy cycles | Suitable for pre-treatment baseline assessment and localization of deep nerves; single examination takes 15–20 minutes, and patients need to remain still during the examination |
| MSUS – musculoskeletal ultrasound; MRI – magnetic resonance imaging; CIPN – chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. | ||