J Neuroradiology
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Comparative Study
[The contribution of "time-of-flight" MRI-angiography in the study of neurovascular interactions (hemifacial spasm and trigeminal neuralgia)].
The purpose of this study was to investigate capabilities of Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) in delineating neurovascular compression which has emerged as the most frequent etiology in cases of Hemi-Facial Spasm and Trigeminal Neuralgia. MR investigations were carried out at 1.5 t unit (Magnetom Vision, Siemens). The examination consisted of 3D time-of-flight MRA (3d TOF) protocol, with a FISP sequence (Fast Imaging Steady Precession) and magnetization transfer. ⋯ In control group on 34 explanations only there are only 4 contacts between Vth nerve and SCA. MRA with a 3D-TOF FISP sequence allows recognition of neurovascular conflicts in case of hemifacial spasm and trigeminal neuralgia while MIP helps to characterize the implicated vessel. Sources images need to be carefully assessed in order to depict unsuspected pathology.