Applications and Potential Advancements in Imaging: Comparing 7T MRI to 3T MRI for Cranial Nerve-based Imaging

Introduction: The microsurgical nature of neurosurgery creates a dependance on precise planning and review of eloquent structures. When discussing skull-based neurosurgery, advanced imaging is vital. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been profound in its ability to help develop a better understanding of cranial pathology. With the 7 Tesla (7T) MRI, neurosurgeons are better able to review and plan around important structures; Obusez et al. showed that numerous lesions were better visualized on the new scanner. There is no updated literature interrogating cranial nerve pathways and common disease processes, so the goal of this abstract s to investigate applications of 7T MRI to cranial nerves.

Methods: A literature review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted, focusing on cranial nerve anatomy, function, pathology, and applications of radiological imaging pertaining to the trigeminal, facial, and glossopharyngeal nerves. Search terms included “cranial nerve anatomy,” “cranial nerve pathology,” “MRI,” and “7T.” Then, 7T brain scans were looked at from the host facility.

Results: Preliminary findings utilizing the 7T MRI have shown that cranial nerves can be tracked and visualized with equivalent clarity compared to conventional MRI. Diagnoses such as neurovascular compression in the setting of trigeminal neuralgia are demonstrated with enhanced delineation. Other neurovascular compression, like that of the facial nerve, can be seen with improved resolution as well.

Conclusion : Our preliminary findings have implied that doubling the signal-to-nose ratio and increasing the magnetic strength with 7T MRI may be helpful in diagnosis and treatment of neurological disease and disorder. Improving the protocols and increasing the sensitivity of this new technology can enhance neurosurgical treatments of cranial nerve-based conditions of the trigeminal, facial, and glossopharyngeal nerves and allow for surgeons to diagnose symptoms with more certainty and plan for surgery with enhanced mapping potentials.