Anatomy of the orbital apex and cavernous sinus on high-resolution magnetic resonance images

Diseases of the orbital apex and cavernous sinus usually present with invol vement of multiple cranial nerves, cor responding to the complex anatomy of the region. In nontraumatic disorders, magnetic resonance imaging is the d iagnostic modality of choice. However, its capabilities can be fully used o nly with thorough knowledge of the complicated topographic relationships in this region. This article describes the imaging anatomy of the cranio-orbi tal junction and adjacent subarachnoid spaces. High-resolution magnetic res onance images of normal subjects al-e presented, and the results are compar ed with findings reported in the literature. The following anatomic structu res can be visualized on high-resolution magnetic resonance images: extraoc ular muscles and corresponding connective tissue, major orbital and cerebra l arteries, ophthalmic veins, cavernous sinus, and all sensory and motor cr anial nerves of the eye along their intraorbital and intracranial course. ( C) 2000 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.