Application of trigeminal magnetic resonance angiography in preoperative evaluation before microvascular decompression for patients with trigeminal neuralgia

Objective To discuss the evaluation effect of magnetic resonance angiography before vascular decompression in patient with trigeminal neuralgia. Methods Magnetic resonance angiography was performed in 21 patients who had diagnosed trigeminal neuralgia with vascular compression before vascular decompression. The trigeminal nerve and vascular imaging was obtained by using high- resolution magnetic resonance 3D- FIESTA( 3D- fast imaging employing steady state acquisitio,3D- FIESTA) and 3D- TOF( 3D- time- of- flight,3D- TOF) sequence. Original images were processed on workstation,and they were compared with intraoperative findings. Results The images showed the location and form of trigeminal nerve on two sides in 21 patients by trigeminal vascular imaging before the surgery. It was found 20 offending vessels in 19 patients,and intraoperative finding was confirmed consistent with the images. We could hardly find the offending vessels by using MR in two patients,but we discovered that the trigeminal nerve was compressed by tiny anterior inferior cerebellar artery. Conclusion The location and form of trigeminal nerve and offending vessels are displayed clearly by trigeminal MRA with 3D- FIESTA and 3D- TOF sequence before surgery,and it is very helpful to make preoperative planning and decrease operation process.