Three-dimensional MR visualization of the intracisternal course of the cranial nerves V-VIII by virtual cisternoscopy.
OBJECTIVE
A post-processing protocol for 3D visualization of the cranial nerves V-VIII along their intracisternal course is presented.


METHODS
Six healthy volunteers underwent MR imaging (1.5 T) to obtain high-resolution heavily T2-weighted data sets (3DFT CISS) with isotropic voxels (0.5 mm3). The data sets were post-processed by using volume rendering software in order to visualize the intracisternal courses of the cranial nerves V-VIII as well as their root entry zones. The data acquisition and post-processing protocol was then applied in 14 patients with a suspected neural compression syndrome according to the clinical findings as well as cross-sectional images and evaluated with respect to image quality and diagnostic value by two neuroradiologists, using a five-point scale.


RESULTS
Virtual cisternoscopy allowed a comprehensive intracisternal 3D visualization of the affected cranial nerves in 12/14 patients. The mean post-processing time amounted to 13.1/5.6/13.7 min for the cranial nerves V/VI/VII and VIII. The mean score for image quality was 4.2, that for diagnostic value 4.1. 2D and/or 3D reference images were indispensable for appreciating the spatial information provided by virtual cisternoscopy.


CONCLUSIONS
The data acquisition and post-processing protocol presented here allows comprehensive and standardized intracisternal 3D visualization of the cranial nerves V-VIII in a routine setting as a complementary imaging procedure.
Heine
C
C
Neuroradiology Section, Department of Radiology, Charité Campus Mitte, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.
Klingebiel
R
R
Lehmann
R
R
D000010:Abducens Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002946:Cisterna Magna; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000175:diagnosis; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D000159:Vestibulocochlear Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology*