Oculomotor paralysis: 3D-CISS MR imaging with MPR in the evaluation of neuralgic manifestation and the adjacent structures

High-Resolution MRI of the Intraparotid Facial Nerve Based on a Microsurface Coil and a 3D Reversed Fast Imaging with Steady-State Precession DWI Sequence at 3T

“…2,3 In these sequences, the high-intensity CSF contrasts sharply with the isointense nerve; however, for the facial nerve in its tympanic, mastoid, and parotid segments, there is no CSF surrounding the facial nerve. The intraparotid facial nerve displayed in 3D fast low-angle shot mainly relies on the high signal of fat tissue as a background, so it is difficult to distinguish the parotid duct from the intraparotid facial nerve, and one cannot detect small branches.…”

“…1,5 Recently, 3D high-resolution sequences such as 3D gradient-recalled acquisition in the steady state sequence and 3D FIESTA have been applied to intraparotid facial nerve imaging. [2][3][4] These sequences rely mainly on the fat within the parotid gland as a high signal background to show the facial nerve because both the intraparotid facial nerve and the parotid duct are visualized as linear structures of low intensity. [2][3][4] In another report, the intraparotid facial nerve showed low signal compared with the high intensity of the parotid duct by using a balanced turbo-field echo, thus avoiding confusion between these 2 structures; however, no volumetric images were obtained, 6 and MPR or curved planar reconstruction was not available.…”

“…[2][3][4] These sequences rely mainly on the fat within the parotid gland as a high signal background to show the facial nerve because both the intraparotid facial nerve and the parotid duct are visualized as linear structures of low intensity. [2][3][4] In another report, the intraparotid facial nerve showed low signal compared with the high intensity of the parotid duct by using a balanced turbo-field echo, thus avoiding confusion between these 2 structures; however, no volumetric images were obtained, 6 and MPR or curved planar reconstruction was not available. Thus, although there are several MR imaging sequences that can delineate the intraparotid facial nerve and parotid duct, limitations remain.…”

“…1 Imaging the intraparotid course of the facial nerve is a challenge due to the fine structure and complex anatomy of the nerve. [1][2][3][4] With recent advances in MR imaging technology, especially the use of surface coils combined with 3D high-resolution MR imaging technology, increased attention has been directed to intraparotid facial nerve imaging. [1][2][3][4] The inherent resolution of a surface coil itself is significantly better than that of a head coil, ensuring high-quality imaging for fine structures, particularly in superficial organs such as the parotid gland or eye.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] With recent advances in MR imaging technology, especially the use of surface coils combined with 3D high-resolution MR imaging technology, increased attention has been directed to intraparotid facial nerve imaging. [1][2][3][4] The inherent resolution of a surface coil itself is significantly better than that of a head coil, ensuring high-quality imaging for fine structures, particularly in superficial organs such as the parotid gland or eye. 1,5 Recently, 3D high-resolution sequences such as 3D gradient-recalled acquisition in the steady state sequence and 3D FIESTA have been applied to intraparotid facial nerve imaging.…”