Novel observations of Pacinian corpuscle distribution in the hands and feet based on high-resolution 7-T MRI in healthy volunteers

Pacinian corpuscles represent special nerve endings that serve as mechanoreceptors sensitive to vibration and pressure and are crucial for proprioception. This work demonstrates that the complex network of Pacinian corpuscles in hands and feet can be examined with three-dimensional Dual Echo Steady State (DESS) MR imaging at 7 T, while previous dedicated MRI reports were either limited to two-dimensional images or focused on the hands. The high-resolution MR images show the detailed architecture of the complex receptor network and reveal a “chain-like” arrangement of Pacinian corpuscles, a predilection for clustering around metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joints, proximal phalanges and fingertips, and specific sensor locations both in the superficial subcutaneous tissue and adjacent to deep soft tissue structures such as tendons and joint capsules.