Magnetic resonance imaging of jugular foramen neurinomas

Four cases of jugular foramen neurinoma, extending from the posterior fossa into the temporal bone through the jugular foramen, are reported. The information provided by magnetic resonance imaging was compared with that by computed tomography. Due to the excellent sensitivity, the absence of bone artifacts, and the ease of imaging in any plane, magnetic resonance imaging gave better information particularly about the location of the tumour than X-CT scan did. It included the dumb-bell shaped tumour through the jugular foramen, the extra-axial nature of the tumour, and the precise anatomical relationships between the tumour and the facial and acoustic nerves or the internal carotid artery. Sagittal and coronal views clearly demonstrated the superior and inferior margins of the tumour. The information is very useful not only for preoperative diagnosis but also for planning the surgical approaches and postoperative follow-up.