MR imaging in two cases of subacute denervation change in the muscles of facial expression

Denervation changes in muscle following damage to cranial and peripheral ne rves can be observed on both CT and MR imaging studies. These findings are well described for cranial nerves (CN) V, M, XI, and SIT, The CIT findings of denervation atrophy due to CN VII dysfunction have been reported. We des cribe the MR imaging findings in two patients with perineural spread of tum or along CN VII. Both patients showed T2 prolongation and postcontrast enha ncement in muscles of facial expression, suggestive of subacute denervation changes.