Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Normal cranial nerves in the cavernous sinuses: contrast-enhanced three-dimensional constructive interference in the
Akiko Yagi1, Noriko Sato, Ayako Taketomi
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Gunma University School of Medicine, Showa-machi, Maebashi Gunma, Japan.
Background And Purpose:
Three-dimensional (3D) constructive interference in steady state (CISS) MR imaging is useful for demonstrating cranial nerves (CNs) in the cistern. The purpose of this study was to evaluate normal CNs III, IV, V1, V2, and VI in the cavernous sinuses by using contrast-enhanced, three-dimensional (3D), Fourier transformation CISS MR imaging.
Methods:
In 76 normal cavernous sinuses from 38 patients, detectability of CNs III-VI in the bilateral cavernous sinuses was evaluated by using contrast-enhanced 3D CISS MR imaging. In 40 cavernous sinuses from 20 patients, contrast-enhanced 3D CISS and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR imaging were compared for the detectability of these CNs.
Results:
Each CN was separately demonstrated, and in 11 patients (29%), all CNs in the cavernous sinuses were identified on contrast-enhanced 3D CISS MR imaging. The images depicted the intracavernous segments of CNs III, IV, V1, V2, and VI in 76 (100%), 46 (61%), 70 (92%), 67 (88%), and 73 (96%) of the 76 sinuses, respectively. In comparison of imaging techniques, contrast-enhanced 3D CISS MR imaging had a detection rate significantly higher than that of enhanced T1-weighting imaging (P < .05) in all CNs except for CN III, which was detected in 100% of cases with both techniques.
Conclusion:
Contrast-enhanced 3D CISS MR imaging provides clear images of each CN in the cavernous segment. This useful method may contribute to the diagnosis of diseases involving the cavernous sinuses, such as Tolosa-Hunt syndrome.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
01:27Cranial Bones: Lateral View
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
01:19Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy
01:14Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...