Radiological anatomy of the transcranial segment of the trigeminal nerve

doi:10.16098/j.issn.0529-1356.2015.01.015

Abstract

Abstract:

Objective To reveal radiological anatomy of the transcranial segment of the trigeminal nerve and its surrounding structures. Methods A total of 26 adult cadaveric heads (10 female, 16 male, aged 45~81 years, mean 63.8 years) were examined with microdissection, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and epoxy sheet plastination methods. Observation from the cadaveric study was compared with Bone window CT images (32) and B-FFE sequence MRI images (3)from 35 living subjects. Results The ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve and the oculomotor, trochlear and abducent nerves were surrounded by the dura and arachnoid mater, traversed supraorbital fissure together and formed a physiological narrowing. The application of CT combined with MRI revealed the narrowing. Foramen rotundum appeared asacurved bony pipeline with a bony protrusion in the middle of the medial wall. The maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve was close to the bony protrusion, which was demonstrated better in CT than in MRI. Both the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve and venous plexus passed through the foramen ovale. At this site, the application of MRI was superior to CT. Conclusion There are three likely mechanical compression points along the course of the trigeminal nerve in the skull base. CT or MRI or a combination of the both may be able to localize these points and provide the needs for the clinical diagnosis.

Key words: Skull base, Trigeminal nerve, Sheet plastination, Microdissection, Radiological Anatomy, Adult

QIAO Ming-liangDIAO Yu-ling LIANG Liang ZHANG Meng-nan ZHANG Ming*GAO Yan*. Radiological anatomy of the transcranial segment of the trigeminal nerve[J]. AAS, 2015, 46(1): 85-90.

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