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The cervical nerves and foramina: local-coil MR imaging
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging with local coils effectively visualizes cervical nerves and neural foramina. Oblique imaging planes offer superior detail for complex anatomy compared to standard views.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neuroimaging
- Anatomy
Background:
- Cervical neural foramina are complex anatomical structures crucial for nerve root passage.
- Detailed visualization of these foramina is essential for diagnosing various neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the magnetic resonance (MR) appearance of cervical nerves and neural foramina.
- To evaluate the utility of different imaging planes for visualizing cervical neural foramina.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a "butterfly" local coil and a 1.5-T GE Signa MR system.
- Acquired 3-mm-thick axial, parasagittal, and 45-degree oblique MR images in normal volunteers.
- Correlated MR images with cryomicrotomic sections from cadavers for structure identification.
Main Results:
- MR imaging with local coils successfully demonstrated cervical neural and vascular structures.
- Forty-five-degree oblique MR images proved more effective than axial or parasagittal views for depicting foraminal anatomy.
- Complex anatomical relationships within the neural foramina were clearly visualized.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging, particularly with local coils and oblique planes, is a valuable tool for assessing cervical neural foramina.
- This technique provides detailed visualization of complex anatomy, aiding in the diagnosis of pathologies affecting the cervical nerves.