High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Quantifies Oculomotor Nerve (CN3) Size in Congenital Neuropathic Strabismus

Abstract

Introduction: High-resolution MRI can now directly demonstrate innervation to extraocular muscles and quantify optic nerve size. We developed a quantitative MRI technique to study CN3 and applied it to congenital fibrosis of extraocular muscles (CFEOM), congenital oculomotor palsy, and Duanes retraction syndrome (DRS). Methods: Oculomotor nerves were imaged at the brainstem using a 1.5-T scanner and conventional head coils, acquiring heavily T2-weighted oblique axial MRI planes 1 mm thick parallel to the optic chiasm.