Evaluation of the optic nerve complex in the orbit using coronal Fast Magnetic resonance Imaging

Recently available coronal fast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has very high spatial resolution with good contrast between the optic nerves and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of coronal fast imaging in optic nerve diseases. Thirty-five patients with various Neuro-ophthalmic conditions including 9 with optic neuritis, 6 with optic atrophy, 5 with glaucoma, 4 with segmental optic nerve hypoplasia and 11 with other optic neuropathies including orbital apex syndrome were evaluated with the three-dimensional fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA) sequence in addition to standard MRI protocols. The optic nerve complexes were evaluated on coronal images of the orbits. Detailed demonstration of the optic nerve complex—the optic nerve, the perineural CSF space and dural sheath—could be readily obtained with FIESTA sequence. The acute phase of both optic neuritis and perineuritis showed enlargement of the perineural CSF space; the optic nerv...