PURPOSE: To demonstrate the anatomy of the Meckel cave, which is normally seen by means of dissection, with high-resolution computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty cadaver specimens were scanned with 1-mm contiguous axial and coronal CT sections. Seven specimens were also scanned with 1-mm contiguous parasagittal sections and were dissected for correlation with CT images. Two volunteers also underwent high-resolution, fast spin-echo MR imaging. MR images were compared with the CT images and the results of dissection. RESULTS: Dissection and CT and MR imaging demonstrated that the trigeminal nerve within the Meckel cave consists of numerous small fibers and that the trigeminal ganglion consists of a small amount of solid tissue. CONCLUSION: In vivo, high-resolution, fast spin-echo imaging can demonstrate the anatomy of the trigeminal nerve in the Meckel cave because of improved spatial and contrast resolution.
PURPOSE: To demonstrate the anatomy of the Meckel cave, which is normally seen by means of dissection, with high-resolution computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty cadaver specimens were scanned with 1-mm contiguous axial and coronal CT sections. Seven specimens were also scanned with 1-mm contiguous parasagittal sections and were dissected for correlation with CT images. Two volunteers also underwent high-resolution, fast spin-echo MR imaging. MR images were compared with the CT images and the results of dissection. RESULTS: Dissection and CT and MR imaging demonstrated that the trigeminal nerve within the Meckel cave consists of numerous small fibers and that the trigeminal ganglion consists of a small amount of solid tissue. CONCLUSION: In vivo, high-resolution, fast spin-echo imaging can demonstrate the anatomy of the trigeminal nerve in the Meckel cave because of improved spatial and contrast resolution.
Authors: Lorna Sohn Williams; Ilona M Schmalfuss; Christopher L Sistrom; Takuya Inoue; Ryusui Tanaka; Eduardo R Seoane; Anthony A Mancuso Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 2003-08 Impact factor: 3.825
Authors: Indra Yousry; Bernhard Moriggl; Urs D Schmid; Thomas P Naidich; Tarek A Yousry Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 2005-05 Impact factor: 3.825