A thin-slice radioanatomic study of jugular foramen
- VernacularTitle:颈静脉孔区薄层影像解剖学研究
- Author:
Jun LIU
;
Xiaohong ZHANG
;
Ying JIN
;
Peng LI
;
Ji QI
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Jugular foramen;
Tomography, X-ray computed;
Magnetic resonance imaging;
Anatomy
- From:
Chinese Journal of Radiology
2000;0(12):-
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To observe and analyze the CT and MR imaging of the structures in the region of the jugular foramen (JF) on the base of thin-slice anatomic study. Methods Having been scanned by multislice CT and 1.5T MR scanner, two formalin-preserved adult cadavers were dissected into 1.0 mm thickness contiguous sections in transverse plane. Twenty cases without skull base and nasopharyngeal history received routine and post-contrast CT examinations with spiral and HQ mode. Twenty healthy volunteers received MR scanning, including SE T 1WI, FSE T 2WI, and 3D RF-FAST (3D Radio-Frequency Fourier Acquired Steady-State) sequences. Results JF region was divided into three levels, which included inner aperture, the jugular cavity, and the outer aperture. At the entrance of JF, there were glossopharyngeal canal and vagal canal, which wrapped the Ⅸ nerve and Ⅹ and Ⅺ nerves, respectively. CT images could display these canals in 20 cases (100%). Furthermore, the Ⅸ, Ⅹ, and Ⅺ nerves could be identified on different MR sequences. 17 cases (85%) were displayed on 3D RF-FAST, 14 cases (70%) on SE T 1WI, and 10 cases (50%) on FSE T 2WI, respectively. From the anterior to the posterior compartment within the JF cavity, the structures ranged as follows: the Ⅸ nerve, the inferior petrosal sinus, the Ⅹ and Ⅺ nerves, and the jugular bulb. These neuro-vessel structures could not be distinguished on CT, SE T 1WI, and FSE T 2WI images, except for 3D RF-FAST (16 cases, 80%). The outer aperture of JF was adjacent to the hypoglossal canal. The shape of JF outer aperture could be evaluated on CT images. On the oblique plane, which was parallel to the hypoglossal canal, the posterior cranial nerves could be detected to enter/exit the skull through the JF and hypoglossal canal separately. Conclusion The complement of CT and MR imaging would be helpful to distinguish the structures in the region of JF.
