Digital tensor tractography for trigeminal and facial nerve: N.N. Burdenko National Scientific and Practical Center for Neurosurgery first experience

Introduction. Digital tensor tractography (DTT) is well-known and efficient method for white-matter tracts visualization. However, few publications show its effectiveness in cranial nerves tractography. The aim of the study is to develop and to implement the protocol for visualizing cranial nerve tracts.

Materials and methods. DTT was implemented in 6 patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) W. Koos 3-4 grade, preliminary coordinated by the study of 5 patients with trigeminal neuralgia. The tracts were “built” using 3D Slicer software.

Results. In 5 of 6 cases, full correlation of pre- and intraoperative data was registered. In 1 case, the tracts were non-identifiable.

Conclusion. Presented algorithm provides effective preoperative visualization of cranial nerves (V, VII). Obtained results allow to consider the method of DTT a promising technique for preoperative visualization of trigeminal and facial nerves in patients with posterior fossa lesions.

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