We applied 3D MR cisternograrn / angiogram fusion imaging to 9 cases of the idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia for the preoperative assessment of the offending vessels f { 〕 r microvascular decompression( MVD ) . Fusion images of the 3D MR cisternogram /angiogram were reconstructed by a perspective volume − rendering algorithm 廿 om the volumetric data set of MR cisternography ( black blood image ) ,obtained by a T2 − weighted 3D fast spin − echo sequence , and composed with the co − registered MR

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... ngiography ( bright blood image) , obtained by a 3D time − of − flight sequence with and without contrast medium . The complex anatomical relationship of the offending vessels , including superior cerebellar artery , anterior inferior cerebellar artery , posterior inferior cerebellar alter } l verte − bral artery and superior petrosal vein , to the root entry zone of the trigeminal nerve was preoperatively assessed on the 血 sion images from various viewpoints in the cerebellopontine angle cistern and through the simulated surgi − cal approach , The 3D visualization of the nerve − vessel relationship with 血 sion images was comparative to the intraoperative findings . Fusion imaging of 3D MR cisternogram / angiogram may prove usehll in preoperative assessment of MVD f6r the idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia .