Application of 3D-CISS MR Imaging in the Diagnosis of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Objective To evaluate neurovascular anatomical relationship in patients with trigeminal neuralgia.Methods 49 patients with neuralgia were examined by MRI 3D-CISS in combination with 3D-TOF and MPR technique.The MRI findings were compared to the partial operative results.Results 13 patients who underwent surgery were considered as a responsible compression of vessel on 3D-CISS and 3D-TOF imaging,the compression caused by artery and vein was seen in operation in 10 cases and 3 cases respectively.18 (90%) of 20 patients with the symptom of maxillary division had neurovascular compression at the medial site of the root of trigeminal nervus,while 15(79%) of 19 patients with the symptom of mandibular division had compression at the lateral site.Conclusion 3D-CISS MR imaging is useful in the detection of neurovascular relationship and correlation between the region of neuralgic manifestation and the site of trigeminal nerve compression.