Abstract | BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of trigeminal neuralgia protocol studies was performed in 26 patients after rhizotomy compared with 54 treatment-naïve subjects with trigeminal neuralgia. Examinations were reviewed independently by 2 neuroradiologists blinded to the side of symptoms and treatment history. The symmetry of Meckel's cave on constructive interference in steady-state and the presence of contrast enhancement within the trigeminal nerves on volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination images were assessed subjectively. The signal intensity of Meckel's cave was measured on coronal noncontrast constructive interference in steady-state imaging on each side. RESULTS: Post- rhizotomy changes included subjective clumping of nerve roots and/or decreased constructive interference in steady-state signal intensity within Meckel's cave, which was identified in 17/26 (65%) patients after rhizotomy and 3/54 (6%) treatment-naïve patients (P < .001). Constructive interference in steady-state signal intensity within Meckel's cave was, on average, 13% lower on the side of the rhizotomy in patients posttreatment compared with a 1% difference in controls (P < .001). Small regions of temporal encephalomalacia were noted in 8/26 (31%) patients after rhizotomy and 0/54 (0%) treatment-naïve patients (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Post-trigeminal rhizotomy findings frequently include nerve clumping and decreased constructive interference in steady-state signal intensity in Meckel's cave. Small areas of temporal lobe encephalomalacia are encountered less frequently.
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Authors | B G Northcutt, D P Seeburg, J Shin, N Aygun, D A Herzka, D Theodros, C R Goodwin, C Bettegowda, M Lim, A M Blitz |
Journal | AJNR. American journal of neuroradiology
(AJNR Am J Neuroradiol)
Vol. 37
Issue 10
Pg. 1920-1924
(Oct 2016)
ISSN: 1936-959X [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 27365326
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Copyright | © 2016 by American Journal of Neuroradiology. |