The trigeminal root: an anatomical study using magnetic resonance imaging.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Radiology
• Neuroanatomy

Background:

• The trigeminal root is a key anatomical structure implicated in trigeminal neuralgia.
• Detailed neuroimaging studies of the trigeminal root anatomy are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the anatomy of the trigeminal root using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
• To evaluate the utility of specific MR sequences for trigeminal root visualization.

Main Methods:

• Thin-sliced, axial T2-weighted imaging and coronal constructive interference in steady-state (CISS) sequences were utilized.
• The study included 167 patients, with specific imaging analyses performed on subsets.

Main Results:

• Axial T2-weighted imaging delineated trigeminal root divisions in 36% of patients.
• Coronal CISS sequences clearly visualized the main trigeminal sensory root in all analyzed patients (72).
• Accessory sensory and motor rootlets were identified in 38% and 56% of sides, respectively, with significant variability in rootlet arrangement and proximity to vascular structures.

Conclusions:

• Coronal CISS sequence is highly effective for delineating the trigeminal root.
• The trigeminal root exhibits substantial inter- and intra-individual anatomical variability.
• This variability may contribute to symptoms of trigeminal neurovascular compression.