Magnetic resonance imaging of the posterior fossa in ocular motility disorders--four case studies.

The superiority of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the posterior fossa over x-ray computed tomography is demonstrated by four patients with neuro-ophthalmologic disorders. Advantages of this technique include lack of ionizing radiation, direct multiplanar imaging, increased sensitivity to pathology, increased tissue contrast, and no known adverse effects. It is concluded that MR, when available, should be the imaging modality of choice in patients with neuro-ophthalmologic disorders of suspected brainstem origin.