Imaging Study In Etiologic Diagnosis Of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of MRI in the investigation of etiology of trigeminal neuralgia(TN). Methods MR manifestations and operative results of 50 normal subjects and 50 patients with trigeminal neuralgia were reviewed retrospectively, using 3D-TSE combined with conventional MRI. Results (1) one hundred trigeminal nerves of 50 normal subjects were examined contact type was identified in 11 of origerninal nerves. In 50 patients studied,compressions or contact of the never were detected with 32 on symptomatic sides and 7 on the asymptomatic sides.The difference between the control subjects and the symptomath sides of TN was highly significant(p<0.005). (2) of 50 patient with trigeminal euralgia at MR imaging; The percentages of the neurorascular compression or contact, tumors and other lesions which were the etiologies of trigeminal neuralgia were 64%(32/50),16%(8/50) and20% (20/50).(3) the sensitivity and specificity of MR diagnosis was 100% and 80%. Conclusion Neurovascular compression of cisternal portion of the fifth cranial never is the main cases of trigeminal neuralgia.MR(3D-TSE) plays an important role in demonstrating the relationship of the fifth cranial nerve to surrounding vascular structures or tumors.This may be of help in selecting the proper method of treatment for the patient with trigeminal neuralgia (TN).