MR imaging of facial and vestibulocolar nerves: thin slice axial imaging anatomic study

Objective To investigate the optimal method for the imaging of the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves by comparing their MR imaging and dissections. Methods MR examinations were performed on 15 healthy volunteers and 3 formalin fixed specimens with a 1.5T MR unit. The scanning procedure included SE T1WI, FSE T2WI and RF FAST. MR images were compared with the results of dissection. Results On the routine axial and coronal planes, the course of the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves complex were revealed, and its branches in the internal auditory canal were identified on different planes. On the oblique plane parallel to the horizon segment,the intratemporal facial nerve was completely disclosed . Conclusion MR imaging can well display the intracranial segments of the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves.