Identification of the normal jugular foramen and lower cranial nerve anatomy: contrast-enhanced 3D fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition MR imaging.
Conventional imaging protocols are unable to visualize the intraforaminal/canalicular segments of the lower cranial nerves (IX-XII). On the basis of previous successful demonstration of individual cranial nerves within the cavernous sinus by constructive interference in steady-state MR imaging, we describe the use of contrast-enhanced 3D fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition MR imaging to demonstrate normal in vivo intraforaminal and canalicular segments of cranial nerves IX-XII in 10 patients by using a standardized imaging protocol.
Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. indran_davagnanam@yahoo.co.uk
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media; D003391:Cranial Nerves / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D019291:Skull Base / Q000033:anatomy & histology*
D003287:Contrast Media; C064925:gadodiamide; D019786:Gadolinium DTPA