title: Preoperative identification of the facial nerve in patients with large cerebellopontine angle tumors using high-density diffusion tensor imaging.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Facial nerve paresis can be a devastating complication following resection of large (> 2.5 cm) cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumors. The authors have developed and used a new high-density diffusion tensor imaging (HD-DT imaging) method, aimed at preoperatively identifying the location and course of the facial nerve in relation to large CPA tumors. Their study objective was to preoperatively identify the facial nerve in patients with large CPA tumors and compare their HD-DT imaging method with a traditional standard DT imaging method and correlate with intraoperative findings.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors prospectively studied 5 patients with large (> 2.5 cm) CPA tumors. All patients underwent preoperative traditional standard- and HD-DT imaging. Imaging results were correlated with intraoperative findings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Utilizing their HD-DT imaging method, the authors positively identified the location and course of the facial nerve in all patients. In contrast, using a standard DT imaging method, the authors were unable to identify the facial nerve in 4 of the 5 patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The HD-DT imaging method that the authors describe and use has proven to be a powerful, accurate, and rapid method for preoperatively identifying the facial nerve in relation to large CPA tumors. Routine integration of HD-DT imaging in preoperative planning for CPA tumor resection could lead to improved facial nerve preservation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Roundy
authors.forename: Johnny B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Delashaw
authors.forename: Justin S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Cetas
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D056324:Diffusion Tensor Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D020220:Facial Nerve Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D055815:Young Adult