Trigeminal nerve and ganglion in the Meckel cave: appearance at CT and MR imaging.

PURPOSE

To demonstrate the anatomy of the Meckel cave, which is normally seen by means of dissection, with high-resolution computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty cadaver specimens were scanned with 1-mm contiguous axial and coronal CT sections. Seven specimens were also scanned with 1-mm contiguous parasagittal sections and were dissected for correlation with CT images. Two volunteers also underwent high-resolution, fast spin-echo MR imaging. MR images were compared with the CT images and the results of dissection.

RESULTS

Dissection and CT and MR imaging demonstrated that the trigeminal nerve within the Meckel cave consists of numerous small fibers and that the trigeminal ganglion consists of a small amount of solid tissue.

CONCLUSION

In vivo, high-resolution, fast spin-echo imaging can demonstrate the anatomy of the trigeminal nerve in the Meckel cave because of improved spatial and contrast resolution.