Type:
Educational Exhibit
Keywords:
MR, Head and neck, Ear / Nose / Throat, Anatomy, Education, Neoplasia
Authors:
M. Thu, N. Waters, M. Gandhi, J. Sommerville; Brisbane/AU
DOI:
10.1594/ranzcr2015/R-0091
Conclusion
This educational exhibit has provided an overview of the imaging of the hypoglossal canal. The nerve is best visualised on the post Gadolinium T2 as compared to the cisternographic sequences.
The pattern of change of the margins of the hypoglossal canal given an indication of the rate of growth of the lesion.
Slow growing lesions such as a Schwannoma produce smooth expansion.
More aggressive lesions such as metastases or infection may produce aggressive osteolysis or marrow infiltration.
Denervation patterns in the tongue muscles are a clue that there may be pathology in or around the hypoglossal canal which should alert the radiologist that they need to examine the hypoglossal canal meticulously.