MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING OF THE EXTRATEMPORAL FACIAL-NERVE OF THE RAT

Objective: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an evolving technology that is being investigated for application in the study of the facial nerve. At the present time the majority of investigators use paramagne tic contrast agents, and the clinical utility of MRI for evaluation of facial paralysis is unproved. This study investigated both normal and injured rat facial nerves without contrast enhancement. Method: Anato mic dissection and histologic studies were performed to better define the location of the facial nerve. A surface coil was used to improve i mage resolution. Results: Proton-weighted images showed that the norma l facial nerve was a solid structure while the injured facial nerve wa s bright on T2-weighted images. Conclusion: MRI is a potentially usefu l method of investigating patients with facial nerve dysfunction. Furt her research is needed to clarify its role.