Visualization of Cranial Nerves Using High-Definition Fiber Tractography

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Radiology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tractography of cranial nerves (CNs) has limitations in spatial and angular resolution.
• High-angle diffusion magnetic resonance imaging offers improved resolution for detailed CN trajectories.

Purpose of the Study:

• To utilize high-definition fiber tractography (HDFT) for identifying CNs in healthy individuals and brain tumor patients.
• To assess the capability of advanced MRI techniques in visualizing cranial nerve anatomy.

Main Methods:

• Diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) with high-angular-resolution fiber tracking was performed on healthy subjects and patients.
• Atlas space fiber tracking of CNs was conducted using a 488-subject diffusion MRI template from the Human Connectome Project (HCP).

Main Results:

• Most cisternal portions of CNs were successfully tracked and visualized in both individual subjects and atlas space.
• Specific CN pathways, including the optic radiation and facial nerve, were clearly identified, even when displaced by tumors.
• High-angular-resolution fiber tracking differentiated the facial nerve from the vestibulocochlear nerve complex.

Conclusions:

• High-angular-resolution and atlas-based fiber tracking enable detailed identification of all CNs.
• This technique shows significant potential for precise localization of CNs during surgical planning.