Learning objectives
MRI is the imaging modality of choice for evaluation of the trigeminal nerve.
Accurate interpretation of MR examinations requires an understanding of the anatomy,
physiology and distribution.
Technical factors of the MR examination are also important.
State-of-the-art MRI sequences depicts this nerve segments in greater detail and can provide important information about the relationship of the trigeminal nerve with pathological processes.
We propose to achieve these objectives:
To review the normal morphology and pathway of the trigeminal nerve (V),
from its nuclei to the periphery...
Background
The cranial nerve V originates from a large nucleus in the brainstem and divides intothree peripheral branches: ophthalmic,
maxillary and mandibular.
State-of-the-art MRI is the imaging modality of choice for the investigation of trigeminal neuropathy.
Pathological conditions may arise in any of these segments.
A broad spectrum of primary or secondary conditions can affect the trigeminal nerve at specific levels; including ischemic,
inflammatory,
vascular and neoplastic disorders.
Common and uncommon pathologies are reviewed and illustrated with clinical cases and images.
Localizing a lesion to a...
Imaging findings OR Procedure details
All patients were treated in our institution and brain MRI studies were performed on 1.5 and 3 T scanners,
including basic sequences as T1 WI,
T2 WI,
FLAIR,
T2* and DWI.
Eventually additional sequences were performed such as MR intracranial angiography; balanced steady free precession (SSFP) sequence and T1 WI post contrast,
according to the clinical suspicion.
Conclusion
Knowledge of the anatomy,
function and key pathologies affecting the trigeminal nerve is important for the interpretation as the imaging finding itself.
Different MR sequences allow,
according to clinical suspicion,
guide the study for a proper diagnosis.
References
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MRI findings of the normal and diseased trigeminal nerve ganglion and branches: a pictorial review.Vande Vyver V,
Lemmerling M,
Van Hecke W,
Verstraete K.
JBR-BTR.
2007 Jul-Aug;90(4):272-7.
Trigeminal neuropathy.Peñarrocha M,
Cervelló MA,
Martí E,
Bagán JV.
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Trigeminal Neuralgia due to Neurovascular Compression: High-Spatial-Resolution Diffusion-Tensor Imaging Reveals Microstructural Neural Changes.Juergen Lutz...