Article
High-resolution imaging of the jugular foramen and its content with 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging
Hochauflösende Darstellung des Foramen jugulare und seiner Inhalte mittels 3 Tesla Magnetresonanztomographie
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Published: | May 30, 2008 |
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Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the value of 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the visualization of the detailed anatomy of the jugular formamen (JF) and its content using a contrast-enhanced 3D-FIESTA (fast imaging employing steady state acquisition) sequence.
Methods: 25 patients without pathologies affecting the JF were included in the study. Imaging was performed on a 3 Tesla scanner (Signa, General Electrics) using a gadolinium-enhanced 3D-FIESTA sequence. The data were analysed collaboratively by two readers. It was recorded if the glossopharyngeal (CNIX), the vagus nerves (CNX), and their ganglia could be identified in the JF. Furthermore, landmarks for their identification were described. Measurements were performed for each side separately.
Results: The CNIX could be identified in 91.7 and 88%, the CNX in 87.5 and 100%, on the right and left sides, respectively. The superior ganglion of CNIX was discernible in 91.6 and 88%, the ganglion of CNX in 95.8 and 100%, on the right and left sides, respectively. The inferior petrosal sinus, the hypoglossal canal, and the external opening of the cochlear aqueduct were found to be useful landmarks for these structures and could all be identified in 100% on both sides.
Conclusions: The contrast-enhanced 3D-FIESTA sequence performed on a 3T scanner is an adequate tool for the detailed vizualisation of the complex anatomy of the JF. Thus, high field MR imaging may be helpful in the formulation of differential diagnosis regarding pathologies involving the JF and be particularly suitable for optimized presurgical planning of these lesions.