Imaging the Facial Nerve: A Contemporary Review

Abstract

Imaging plays a critical role in the evaluation of a number of facial nerve disorders. The facial nerve has a complex anatomical course; thus, a thorough understanding of the course of the facial nerve is essential to localize the sites of pathology. Facial nerve dysfunction can occur from a variety of causes, which can often be identified on imaging. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are helpful for identifying bony facial canal and soft tissue abnormalities, respectively. Ultrasound of the facial nerve has been used to predict functional outcomes in patients with Bell's palsy. More recently, diffusion tensor tractography has appeared as a new modality which allows three-dimensional display of facial nerve fibers.

Anatomic Landmarks for Localization of the Vertical Segment of Facial Nerve on Multislice CT Multiplanar Reconstruction Images

“…These relationships are critical during surgical planning. 7 The angle between orientation of VFN to the CW of the longest distance and horizontal axis was larger on the left side than that of the right (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the angle between the orientation of VFN-SCW to VFN-LCW and horizontal axis, the angle between the orientation of VFN-SOW to VFN-LOW and horizontal axis is decreasing, which is correlated with the angle of the plane of CW and OW located on the inner wall of tympanic cavity and the anatomic structure of VFN.…”

The Incidence of Dehiscence of the Tympanic Segment of the Facial Nerve Canal Estimated With Computed Tomography

“…Since the facial nerve canal variations, especially dehiscence as the most frequent one, can represent very insidious situations for surgeons, their identification is very important for the correct planning of surgical procedures on the temporal bone. Following anatomical orientation and taking extreme caution during surgery can lead to prevention of iatrogenic injury of the facial nerve [7], [12].…”

“…Magnet resonance imaging (MRI) has advantage in superior soft tissue resolution, whereas Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) enables visualization of very delicate osseous structures, thus representing the basic method for determining developmental anomalies, traumas, acute or chronic infections or the eventual presence of pathologies within a complicated osseous structure such as the temporal bone [8]- [11]. High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) performed in thin layers with a special reconstructive bone algorithm represents the best method for the facial nerve canal visualization [12]. Adequate CT scans in combination with a wellorganized protocol and adequate data from the medical history of the patient enable confirming or making an appropriate diagnosis, thus giving otorhinolaryngologists and neurosurgeons the possibility to choose the most optimal surgical approach, which is crucial for timely prevention of eventual intraoperative complications.…”

Cochlear Implantation in Pontine Tegmental Cap Dysplasia

“…Pregnancy was normal; the mother reported taking only cardio aspirin, she is carrier of balanced translocation isht [4,6]. A chorionic villus sampling was performed during pregnancy.…”

“…A chorionic villus sampling was performed during pregnancy. Postnatal fetal karyotype was 46, XX, isht [4,6] (p15.33, p13.3+; p13.3-,p15.33+). At birth, the baby's Apgar score was 8 at 1 minute, 9 at 5 minute and 10 at 10 minute; her weight was 2540 g, with a 32 cm head circumference.…”