ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to compare 3D fast imaging with steady state acquisition (3D FIESTA) to fast spin echo T2-weighted (FSE T2W) MRI sequences in the imaging of cisternal parts of cranial nerves V–XII.

We retrospectively evaluated the temporal MRI sequences of 50 patients (F:M ratio, 27:23; mean age, 44.5 ± 15.9 years) who were admitted to our hospital with vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. In all, we evaluated 800 nerves. Two radiologists, working independently, divided the imaging findings into 3 groups: 0 (not visualized), 1 (partially visualized), and 2 (completely visualized).

The rate of visualization of these cranial nerves with FSE T2W and 3D FIESTA sequences, respectively, (partially and completely visualized) were as follows: nerve V (100% and 100%); nerve VI (43% and 98%); nerve VII (100% and 100%); nerve VIII (100% and 100%); nerve IX–XI complex (67% and 100%); nerve XII (2% and 91%).

3D FIESTA sequences are superior to FSE T2W sequences in the imaging of cisternal parts of the posterior fossa nerves. 3D FIESTA sequences may be used for obtaining high-resolution MR cisternography images.

Keywords: magnetic resonance imaging • cranial nerves • cisternography