Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Facial Nerve Through the Temporal Bone at3T with a Non-Contrast Ultrashort Echo Time Sequence

摘要

The pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA) ultrashort echo time (UTE) MR imaging sequence at 3T enables visualization of the facial nerve from the brainstem, through the temporal bone, to the stylomastoid foramen without intravenous contrast. Use of the PETRA sequence, or perhaps UTE sequences in general, should be considered in the MRI evaluation of certain skull base tumors and perhaps other facial nerve and temporal bone pathologies.