Three-dimensional magnetic resonance images of the temporal bone and the posterior fossa to assess the transpetrosal approach

The transpetrosal approach is a useful procedure for exposing the petroclival region, but is anatomically complicated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three-dimensional images of temporal bone and posterior fossa based on three-dimensional fast imaging using steady-state acquisition (3D-FIESTA), to assess the transpetrosal route. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the cranial nerves, vessels, brainstem, cerebellum, and cochlear and semicircular canals was performed using a volume rendering method. This method clearly demonstrated spatial relationships of neurovascular structures and was very useful for preoperative simulations. (author)