Imaging of the normal pontine cisternal segment of the abducens nerve, using three-dimensional constructive interference in the steady state MRI

Abstract

Our objective was to determine the visibility of the cisternal segment of the normal abducens nerve using a three-dimensional Fourier-Transform constructive interference in the steady state (3DFT-CISS) sequence. Its visibility was rated in 150 patients without clinical evidence of abducens nerve disturbance. Axial 1-mm 3DFT-CISS images were obtained (TR/TE 17/7 ms, flip angle 50 degrees, field of view 160 mm, matrix 256 x 256). The cisternal segment was seen in 79% of cases, bilaterally in 73% and unilaterally in 11% of cases; neither cisternal segment was seen in 16% of cases. Identification of Dorello's canal was often of help in detecting the point lateral to the dorsum sellae at which the nerve pierces the dura mater. Flow artifacts and vascular loops in the pontine cistern sometimes caused problems in interpretation. 3DFT-CISS MRI with 1-mm-thick sections can however be considered a reasonably reliable technique for showing the cisternal segment of the abducens nerve.

Visualization of cranial nerves I-XII: value of 3D CISS and T2-weighted FSE sequences

“…Other groups followed, focusing on the same anatomical region [12,13,14,15]. Recently, the 3D CISS sequence has been used to image and to study other cranial nerves [8,9,10,11].…”

Three-dimensional constructive interference in steady-state magnetic resonance imaging in obstructive hydrocephalus: relevance for endoscopic third ventriculostomy and clinical results

“…The aim of this study was the prospective analysis (9); highly probable (20); no (9) * All measurements are given as means � SDs and mm. Abbreviation: V3 = third venticle.…”

“…The 3D-CISS sequence is a heavily T2-weighted, 3D Fourier transformation MR technique, and is essentially a gradient-echo-based sequence. 20,21 The images were reconstructed in the transverse, sagittal, and coronal planes with a slice thickness of 0.66 mm. Further technical data: TR = 12.3 msec; TE = 5.9 msec; 33.0-mm slab thickness; 0.66-mm effective section thickness; flip angle 70°; field of view 230 mm; number of partitions 50; pixel size 0.56 × 0.45 mm; scan time 6 minutes and 18 seconds.…”

“…In recent years, 3D-CISS MR imaging has gained increasing importance in displaying the course of neural structures and vessels within the cerebrospinal space of the basal cisterns in any desired plane. 12,15,20,21,[27][28][29] Furthermore, this gradient-echo imaging technique is sensitive to flow. 6,17,30 We prospectively analyzed pre-and postoperative imaging studies and the clinical course of 40 consecutive patients with obstructive hydrocephalus caused by AS who underwent ETV.…”

Targeting the cranial nerve: microradiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia with CISS and 3D-Flash MR imaging sequences

“…The CISS is an MR imaging sequence with an extensive and proven track record in cranial nerve imaging. 9,10,13,15,19,[25][26][27] The primary benefit of this series is the sharp contrast between soft tissues and CSF, which allows very vivid visualization of cranial nerves within CSF spaces such as cisterns. As a high-volume sequence, it also allows for highresolution thin-slice MR images.…”