Application of 3D TOF in the diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of MRI in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Methods MR manifestations and operative results of 104 patients with trigeminal neuralgia were reviewed retrospectively. Results (1)Of 104 patients with trigeminal neuralgia,75 patients had neurovascular compression or contact of the cisternal portion of the trigeminal nerve at MR imaging and 69 patients were verified by operation;14 patients had C P angle tumors, 13 cases were diagnosed by MRI and the remaining one was verified by the operation and pathology;5 patients had vascular lesions at MR imaging which were verified by microvascular decompression.(2) The percentages of the neurovascular compression or contact,tumors and vascular lesions which were the etiologles of trigeminal neuralgia were 66 3%(69/104),13 5%(14/104) and 4 8%(5/104) respectively.(3)The sensitivity and specificity of MR diagnosis was 89 4% and 96 6% respectively.Conclusion Neurovascular compression of cisternal portion of the fifth cranial nerve is the main cause of trigeminal neuralgia.MR plays an important role in demonstrating the relationship of the fifth cranial nerve to surrounding vascular structures or tumors.