Imaging anatomy of the vestibular and visual systems.
OBJECTIVE
This review will outline the imaging anatomy of the vestibular and visual pathways, using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, with emphasis on the more recent developments in neuroimaging.


RESULTS
Technical advances in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, such as the advent of multislice computed tomography and newer magnetic resonance imaging techniques such as T2-weighted magnetic resonance cisternography, have improved the imaging of the vestibular and visual pathways, allowing better visualization of the end organs and peripheral nerves. Higher field strength magnetic resonance imaging is a promising tool, which has been used to evaluate and resolve fine anatomic detail in vitro, as in the labyrinth. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tractography have been used to identify cortical areas of activation and associated white matter pathways, and show potential for the future identification of complex neuronal relays involved in integrating these pathways.


CONCLUSIONS
The assessment of the various components of the vestibular and the visual systems has improved with more detailed research on the imaging anatomy of these systems, the advent of high field magnetic resonance scanners and multislice computerized tomography, and the wider use of specific techniques such as tractography which displays white matter tracts not directly accessible until now.
Gunny
Roxana
R
Lysholm Department of Neuroradiology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, UK.
Yousry
Tarek A
TA
D000344:Afferent Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012886:Skull / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D014795:Visual Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology