Meckel Cave: An Anatomical Study Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Radiology
• Anatomy

Background:

• The Meckel cave's anatomy is not well-defined using neuroimaging.
• Few studies have explored its detailed morphology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the anatomy of the Meckel cave using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• To assess the utility of thin-sliced T2-weighted imaging for Meckel cave visualization.

Main Methods:

• 101 patients underwent conventional MRI with thin-sliced T2-weighted coronal and sagittal imaging.
• 11 patients had additional thin-sliced sagittal constructive interference steady-state (CISS) sequences.
• 3 cadaver heads were dissected for comparative anatomical reference.

Main Results:

• Meckel cave morphology varied, showing left-right asymmetry in T2-weighted MRI.
• Sagittal T2-weighted images classified Meckel cave shapes into bulbous, oval (60%), and flat types.
• Thin-sliced CISS images delineated trigeminal nerve divisions (ophthalmic, maxillary, mandibular) within the Meckel cave.

Conclusions:

• The Meckel cave exhibits diverse morphologies and significant left-right asymmetry.
• Thin-sliced T2-weighted MRI is a valuable tool for anatomical exploration of the Meckel cave.