Water excitation MPRAGE MRI of VII and VIII cranial nerves.

OBJECTIVE

Our goal was to compare magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo--water excitation (MRPRAGE-WE) with conventional spin echo (CSE) in the evaluation of the VII and VIII cranial nerves.

METHODS

One hundred three consecutive patients with symptoms referable to the VII/VIII nerves were studied with CSE T1 and MPRAGE-WE following intravenous gadolinium contrast agent. Each right and left nerve pair was independently evaluated for the presence of an enhancing mass and for visualization of the nerves.

RESULTS

On the CSE images, 26 definite and 2 possible lesions were identified, whereas 28 definite and 2 possible abnormalities were seen on the MPRAGE-WE. Four cases were better identified on the MPRAGE-WE and one better seen on the CSE. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.19). CSE demonstrated the nerves partially in 23 instances and completely in 6; MPRAGE-WE showed the nerves partially in 35 and completely in 73. This was highly significant (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

With equivalent or slightly improved lesion detection and better visualization of the nerves, MPRAGE-WE may replace CSE in studying the VII/VIII nerves.