RESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of 3 dimensional-volume MR imaging technique for demonstrating the facial nerves and to describe MR findings in facial palsy patients and evaluate the significance of facial nerve enhancement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the MR images of facial nerves obtained with 3 Dimensional-volume imaging technique before and after intravenous administration of Gadopentetate dimeglumine in 13 cases who had facial paralysis and 33 cases who had no facial palsy. And we analyzed the detectabilty of anatomical segments of intratemporal facial nerves and facial nerve enhancement. RESULTS: When the 3 Dimensional-volume MR images of 46 nerves were analyzed subjectively, the nerve courses of 43(93%) of 46 nerves were effectively demonstrated on 3 Dimensional-volume MR images. Internal acoustic canal portions and geniculate ganglion of facial nerve were well visualized on axial images and tympanic and mastold segments were well depicted on oblique sagittal images. 10 of 13 patients(77%) were visibly enhanced along at least one segment of the facial nerve with swelling or thickening, and nerves of 8 of normal 33 cases(24%) were enhanced without thickening or swelling. CONCLUSION: MR findings of facial nerve paralysis is asymmetrical thickening of facial nerve with contrast enhancement. The 3 Dimensional-volume MR imaging technique should be a useful study for the evaluation of intratemporal facial nerve disease.