Water excitation MPRAGE MRI of VII and VIII cranial nerves.
OBJECTIVE
Our goal was to compare magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo--water excitation (MRPRAGE-WE) with conventional spin echo (CSE) in the evaluation of the VII and VIII cranial nerves.


METHODS
One hundred three consecutive patients with symptoms referable to the VII/VIII nerves were studied with CSE T1 and MPRAGE-WE following intravenous gadolinium contrast agent. Each right and left nerve pair was independently evaluated for the presence of an enhancing mass and for visualization of the nerves.


RESULTS
On the CSE images, 26 definite and 2 possible lesions were identified, whereas 28 definite and 2 possible abnormalities were seen on the MPRAGE-WE. Four cases were better identified on the MPRAGE-WE and one better seen on the CSE. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.19). CSE demonstrated the nerves partially in 23 instances and completely in 6; MPRAGE-WE showed the nerves partially in 35 and completely in 73. This was highly significant (p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
With equivalent or slightly improved lesion detection and better visualization of the nerves, MPRAGE-WE may replace CSE in studying the VII/VIII nerves.
Litt
A W
AW
Division of Neuroradiology--MRI, New York University Medical Center, New York, New York 10016, USA.
Licata
P
P
Knopp
E A
EA
Thomasson
D M
DM
D005154:Facial Nerve; D005155:Facial Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D000159:Vestibulocochlear Nerve; D000160:Vestibulocochlear Nerve Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D014867:Water
D014867:Water