High-Resolution 3-Dimensional MRI of the Oculomotor Nerve: Anatomic and Pathologic Considerations by Segment

Abstract

Background: CN III is a pure motor cranial nerve that innervates the majority of the extraocular muscles. CN III palsy is the most common cranial nerve palsy with an incidence of 3-4 cases per 100,000.

Evidence acquisition: High-resolution, 3-dimensional, skull base MRI allows for high spatial resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio allowing for optimal evaluation of CN III pathology by segment.

Results: A systemic approach is used to describe the segmental anatomy of CN III, its vascular supply, clinical pathologic manifestations, and imaging correlate.

Conclusions: We present a segmental approach to high-resolution 3-dimensional MRI of the oculomotor nerve from nuclear to extraforaminal segments.