Visualization of cranial nerves I-XII: value of 3D CISS and T2-weighted FSE sequences

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of the three-dimensio nal constructive interference of steady state (3D CISS) sequence (slice thi ckness 0.7 mm) and that of the T2-weighted fast spin echo (T2-weighted FSE) sequence (slice thickness 3 mm) for the visualization of all cranial nerve s their cisternal course. Twenty healthy volunteers examined using the T2-w eighted FSE and the sequences. Three observers evaluated independently the cranial. nerves NI-NXII in their cisternal course. The rates for successful visualization of nerve for 3D CISS (and for T2-weighted FSE parentheses) w ere as follows: NI, NII, NV, NVII, 40 of 40 (40 of 40), NIII 40 of 40 (18 o f 40), NIV 19 Of 40 (3 Of 40), NVI 39 Of 40 (5 Of 40), NIX, : XI 40 of 40 ( 29 of 40), and NXII 40 of 40 (4 of 40). Most of the cranial nerves can be r eliably assessed when using the 3D CISS and the T2-weighted FSE sequences. Increasing the spatial resolution when using the 3D CISS sequence increases the reliability of the identification of the cranial nerves NIII-NXII.