Body MR imaging and the local staging of neoplasms

Article Abstract:

The diagnostic use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has increased beyond original expectations. It is used to characterize abnormalities in many areas of the body. Until recently, its use in abnormalities in the pelvic region has been more limited. Studies have shown MR to be useful in diagnosing tumors in the liver as well as in other organs of the pelvis, but for a number of reasons it is still not widely used. The lack of an effective and safe contrasting agent for imaging the bowels prevents MR from becoming the major diagnostic tool for most pelvic organs besides the liver. Motion caused by the heart and lungs interferes with MR imaging in this area. Recent research shows that MR imaging is useful in finding and characterizing localized tumors in pelvic organs, as motion is less of a problem with this use. Other research has shown the superiority of using MR over computed tomography (CT) in imaging localized tumors in other areas of the body. MR works especially well on organs surrounded by fat such as the uterus. The use of MR for finding rectal tumors has yielded mixed results, although new research has indicated that good results may be obtained if the techniques are used very carefully. MR does have its limitations. It is not highly successful in differentiating between normal and enlarged lymph nodes. It is also less effective in previously treated patients, where treatment has affected tissue. The future of MR is bright, nevertheless. Proper technique is vital to its use. Improved technology and development of new contrast agents will expand its scope and power as a diagnostic tool. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Tumors, Pelvis, editorial

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Trigeminal neuralgia: MR imaging features

Article Abstract:

Trigeminal neuralgia, a facial neuralgia often referred to as tic douloureux, is a nerve disorder that involves severe or sharp pain and muscle spasms in the side of the face which is innervated by the fifth cranial nerve. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was used to evaluate the relationship of the cisternal (cavity) portion of the fifth cranial nerve to surrounding vascular structures in six patients with trigeminal neuralgia and 85 asymptomatic patients. This group of researchers speculated that continued pulsatile pressure (from blood vessels) at the junction of the trigeminal nerve in the root entry zone (REZ) could cause disordered conduction and "short-circuiting" of nerve impulses, and produce the symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia. In the six patients with definite symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia MR imaging located a vascular structure at the REZ of the fifth cranial nerve. In 46 percent of the 85 asymptomatic patients examined by MR, some point of contact was identified between a vascular structure and the fifth cranial nerve with 30 percent at the REZ. However, only two percent showed compression or distortion at the REZ. MR imaging clearly depicts the course of the trigeminal nerve as well as its relationship to vascular structures that may cause compression. The authors suggest using MR in the initial evaluation of patients with trigeminal neuralgia, especially if neurosurgical intervention is considered. In cases of possible trigeminal neuralgia MR may be used to support other findings, but not as diagnostic proof of this disorder.

Care and treatment, Usage, Abnormalities, Nerves, Facial pain, Nerves, Cranial, Cranial nerves, Neuralgia, Trigeminal, Trigeminal neuralgia

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