Dataset Information

3D CRANI, a novel MR neurography sequence, can reliable visualise the extraforaminal cranial and occipital nerves.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

We aim to validate 3D CRANI, a novel high-field STIR TSE, MR neurography sequence in the visualisation of the extraforaminal cranial and occipital nerve branches on a 3-T system. Furthermore, we wish to evaluate the role of gadolinium administration and calculate nerve benchmark values for future reference.

Methods

Eleven consecutive patients underwent MR imaging including the 3D CRANI sequence before and immediately after intravenous gadolinium administration. Two observers rated suppression quality and nerve visualisation using Likert scales before and after contrast administration. Extraforaminal cranial and occipital nerves were assessed. Nerve calibers and signal intensities were measured at predefined anatomical landmarks, and apparent signal intensity ratios were calculated.

Results

The assessed segments of the cranial and occipital nerves could be identified in most cases. The overall intrarater agreement was 79.2% and interrater agreement was 82.7% (intrarater κ = .561, p < .0001; interrater κ = .642, p < .0001). After contrast administration, this significantly improved to an intrarater agreement of 92.7% and interrater agreement of 93.6% (intrarater κ = .688, p < .0001; interrater κ = .727, p < .0001). Contrast administration improved suppression quality and significant changes in nerve caliber and signal intensity measurements. Nerve diameter and signal intensity benchmarking values were obtained.

Conclusion

3D CRANI is reliable for the visualization of the extraforaminal cranial and occipital nerves. Intravenous gadolinium significantly improves MR neurography when applying this sequence. Benchmarking data are published to allow future assessment of the 3D CRANI sequence in patients with pathology of the extraforaminal cranial and occipital nerves.

Key points

• MR neurography using the 3D CRANI sequence is a reliable method to evaluate the extraforaminal cranial and occipital nerves. • Gadolinium contrast administration significantly improves suppression quality and nerve visualisation. • Benchmarking values including apparent signal intensity ratios and nerve calibers depend on contrast administration and might play an important role in future studies evaluating extraforaminal cranial and occipital neuropathies.

SUBMITTER: Casselman J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10017653 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

3D CRANI, a novel MR neurography sequence, can reliable visualise the extraforaminal cranial and occipital nerves.

Casselman Jan J Van der Cruyssen Fréderic F Vanhove Frédéric F Peeters Ronald R Hermans Robert R Politis Constantinus C Jacobs Reinhilde R

European radiology 20221126 4

<h4>Objectives</h4>We aim to validate 3D CRANI, a novel high-field STIR TSE, MR neurography sequence in the visualisation of the extraforaminal cranial and occipital nerve branches on a 3-T system. Furthermore, we wish to evaluate the role of gadolinium administration and calculate nerve benchmark values for future reference.<h4>Methods</h4>Eleven consecutive patients underwent MR imaging including the 3D CRANI sequence before and immediately after intravenous gadolinium administration. Two obse ...[more]

PMID: 36435876

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Dataset Information

3D CRANI, a novel MR neurography sequence, can reliable visualise the extraforaminal cranial and occipital nerves.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Key points

Publications

3D CRANI, a novel MR neurography sequence, can reliable visualise the extraforaminal cranial and occipital nerves.

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