Delineation of the nucleus centre median by proton density weighted magnetic resonance imaging at 3 T.
To demonstrate that proton density weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3 T accomplishes delineation of the centre median (CM) complex from surrounding thalamic tissue and may improve targeting accuracy in stereotactic neurosurgery.



Five healthy subjects (1 man, 4 women; age range 22-35 years) underwent high-resolution MRI at 3 T with different imaging parameters in order to optimize the direct visualization of the CM.



In healthy subjects, the CM complex of the thalamus can be reliably contrasted on axially oriented slices by means of proton density weighted turbo-spin-echo MRI. An in-plane resolution of at least 0.6 x 0.6 mm2 is crucial at a slice thickness between 2 and 3 mm. Effective suppression of head motion is essential.



MRI-based delineation of the CM could have therapeutic potential to facilitate target determination for neuromodulation in stereotactic neurosurgery.
Kanowski
Martin
M
Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany. martin.kanowski@medizin.uni-magdeburg.de
Voges
Jürgen
J
Tempelmann
Claus
C
D000328:Adult; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020646:Intralaminar Thalamic Nuclei / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D038361:Neuronavigation / Q000379:methods; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques; D013788:Thalamus / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery; D055815:Young Adult