Visualization of the distal intratemporal facial nerve with MR imaging: use of an oblique plane.

Although magnetic resonance (MR) imaging routinely is used to evaluate the facial nerve, the conventional axial, coronal, and sagittal planes are not optimal for demonstrating the tympanic and mastoid portions of the nerve. A vertical oblique plane for MR imaging of these portions of the facial nerve was evaluated. With this plane, the course of the nerve was effectively demonstrated on MR images and corresponding cryosections. The oblique plane can be used to supplant or supplement conventional planes in imaging of the facial nerve.