MR imaging of birth-related brachial plexus avulsion.

Abstract

A full-term female neonate (large for gestational age) was born after a difficult delivery that was complicated by shoulder dystocia. Bruising was noted over the left upper extremity, and flaccid paralysis of the left arm was observed during the first day of life. Radiographs of the left shoulder were normal. A chest radiograph showed an elevated left hemidiaphragm. It was concluded that a stretch injury of the left brachial plexus had occurred