Article
MR Volumetry of the trigeminal nerve in patients with unilateral facial pain
MR-Volumetrie des N. trigeminus bei Patienten mit einseitigen Gesichtsschmerzen
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Published: | April 23, 2004 |
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Outline
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Objective
The objective of this study was to assess whether atrophy of the trigeminal nerve can be detected by MRI in patients with trigeminal neuralgia.
Methods
We conducted a prospective MRI study in 39 patients (trigeminal neuralgia, trigeminal neuropathy, or atypical facial pain) and 25 volunteers. Using a coronal orientation (T1 Flash 3D; T2CISS 3D), regions of interest were delineated in the cisternal part of the nerve along the border of the trigeminal nerve to obtain the volume of the nerve.The volume of the nerve was compared side-by-side in each patient (t-test, p<0.05) and the volume difference was compared between patients and volunteers.
Results
The volume of the compromised trigeminal nerve in patients with trigeminal neuralgia was lower than on the healthy side and the difference between the healthy and compromised side was statistically significant (p<0.05). In all other patients and in all volunteers as well there was no significant difference between the volume of the healthy and compromised nerve.The volume difference between the healthy and compromised side in patients with trigeminal neuralgia was significantly higher (p<0.05) than in all other patients and volunteers.
Conclusions
Atrophy of the trigeminal nerve caused by a nerve-vessel conflict can be detected by MRI. Only patients with trigeminal neuralgia show this unilateral atrophy. Therefore, it is possible to demonstrate the pathological significance and determine the consequences of such a nerve-vessel conflict.