VASCULAR COMPRESSION OF THE OCULOMOTOR NERVE DISCLOSED BY THIN-SLICE MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING

PURPOSE: To describe the thin-slice magnetic resonance imaging feature s of vascular compressive oculomotor nerve paresis. METHODS: We perfor med thin-slice (2 mm thick) magnetic resonance imaging of the brainste m in a 74-year-old woman with right partial oculomotor nerve paresis u sing spoiled gradient recalled acquisition in the steady state. RESULT S: Thin-slice magnetic resonance images disclosed that the right oculo motor nerve was compressed and dislocated superiorly and laterally by the tortuous basilar artery, No other abnormalities were observed. CON CLUSION: This is the first case report of vascular compressive oculomo tor nerve paresis disclosed by thin-slice magnetic resonance imaging. (C ) 1998 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.).