[Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Facial Bell's Palsy].
The meaning of facial nerve enhancement by gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonanca imaging (MRI) in Bell's palsy is very discussed. Aim of our study was to define the radiological data in facial Bell's palsy and to correlate them with clinical data.


METHODS
34 patients with facial Bell's palsy were studied prospectively. Each patient had two gadolinium-enhanced MRI. The first MRI was realized during the first ten days. The second MRI was realized three months later. Two patients with facial nerve enhancement localized on the third portion was not clinically normalized at 3 months. Facial nerve enhancement and his precise location was noted.


RESULTS
Facial nerve enhancement was noted in 71,5% on first MRI and in 30% on second MRI. Gadolinium-enhancement was predominantly noted on the Fundus. No patients with facial nerve enhancement persisting at three months was clinically normalized at one month.


CONCLUSIONS
Facial nerve enhancement localized on the fundus and/or on the third portion, persisting at three months, could be consider as a negative landmark of fast clinical facial recuperation.
Belvèze
P
P
Service d'ORL et de chirurgie de la face et du cou, Centre hospitalier universitaire, BP 69, 63003 Clermont Ferrand Cedex 1, France.
Guichard
Ch
Ch
Gabrillargues
J
J
Mom
Th
T
Gilain
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020330:Bell Palsy / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies