The study of optic nerve in human using high resolution MRI with multiplanar reconstruction

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the images of optic nerve in normal human volunteers using three-dimensional high resolution MRI and multiplanar reconstruction. Methods A total of 30 healthy volunteers underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the sequences of 3D-VIBE and 3D-DESS. The axis and oblique sagittal images were obtained with multiplanar reconstruction. The quality of the images was analyzed, and the length of the optic nerve was measured on axis and oblique sagittal images. Results The anatomy of the optic nerve could be clearly displayed on both axial and oblique sagittal images. The full length of optic nerve was 43.48±2.60 mm on axial image and 42.10±3.16 mm on oblique sagittal image. The measured value of axial image was higher than that of oblique sagittal image (t=2.98, P <0.01). Conclusions High resolution MRI with multiplanar reconstruction can visualize the fine structure of the optic nerve, and facilitate to measure the length of optic nerve, it can provide a reliable method for the study of the anatomy and diseases of optic nerve. Key words: Optic nerve; High resolution MRI; Multiplanar reconstruction