Clinical imaging
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The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of high-resolution imaging obtainable with the higher field strength of 3.0 T on the visualization of the brain nerves in the posterior fossa by using T(2)-weighted fast spin echo (FSE) and fast imaging employing steady-state gradient echo (GRE) sequences as the most suitable techniques to visualize each of the cranial nerves. ⋯ The comparison revealed the clear advantage of a thin section. The increased resolution enabled immediate identification of all brainstem nerves. Although image quality is impaired at GRE at high field strength, this sequence most distinctly and confidently depicted pertinent structures and enables 3D reconstruction in order to illustrate complex relations of the brainstem.