Three-dimensional visualization of neurovascular relationships in the posterior fossa: technique and clinical application.

Object: The goal of this study was to describe the authors' technique for three-dimensional (3D) visualization of neurovascular relationships in the posterior fossa at the surface of the brainstem. This technique is based on the processing of high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) imaging data. The principles and technical details involved in the accurate simultaneous visualization of vessels and cranial nerves as tiny structures are presented using explicit and implicit segmentation as well as volume rendering.

Analysis and 3-dimensional visualization of neurovascular compression syndromes.

Rationale And Objectives: Neurovascular compression syndromes are currently examined with 2-dimensional representations of tomographic volumes. To overcome this drawback, coarse segmentation followed by direct volume rendering of magnetic resonance (MR) data is introduced supporting a detailed 3-dimensional analysis of the related structures.

Materials And Methods: This approach is based on MR-CISS (constructive interference in steady state) volumes providing the required high resolution to achieve an improved spatial understanding.