title: High Resolution Three-Dimensional MR Imaging of the Skull Base: Compartments, Boundaries, and Critical Structures.
abstract: High-resolution 3D MRI of the skull base allows for a more detailed and accurate assessment of normal anatomic structures as well as the location and extent of skull base pathologies than has previously been possible. This article describes the techniques employed for high-resolution skull base MRI including pre- and post-contrast constructive interference in the steady state (CISS) imaging and their utility for evaluation of the many small structures of the skull base, focusing on those regions and concepts most pertinent to localization of cranial nerve palsies and in providing pre-operative guidance and post-operative assessment. The concept of skull base compartments as a means of conceptualizing the various layers of the skull base and their importance in assessment of masses of the skull base is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Electronic address: ablitz1@jhmi.edu.
authors.forename: Ari Meir
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Blitz
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
authors.forename: Nafi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Aygun
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins University, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Herzka
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
authors.forename: Masaru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ishii
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Electronic address: ggallia1@jhmi.edu.
authors.forename: Gary L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Gallia
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D019291:Skull Base / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*
keywords: CISS; Cranial nerves; High-resolution 3D MR imaging; Skull base MR imaging; Skull base compartments