Diffusion Tensor Imaging Tractography Detecting Isolated Oculomotor Nerve Damage After Traumatic Brain Injury

World Neurosurg. 2017 Apr:100:707.e5-707.e7. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2017.01.082. Epub 2017 Jan 31.

Abstract

A 24-year-old woman was hit by a bus and suffered an isolated complete oculomotor nerve palsy. Computed tomography scan did not show a skull base fracture. T2*-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed petechial cerebral hemorrhages sparing the brainstem. T2 constructive interference in steady state suggested a partial sectioning of the left oculomotor nerve just before entering the superior orbital fissure. Diffusion tensor imaging fiber tractography confirmed a sharp arrest of the left oculomotor nerve. This recent imaging technique could be of interest to assess white fiber damage and help make a diagnosis or prognosis.

Keywords: Diffusion tensor imaging; Oculomotor nerve; Tractography; Traumatic brain injury.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic / complications*
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Diffusion Tensor Imaging*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Oculomotor Nerve / diagnostic imaging*
  • Oculomotor Nerve Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Oculomotor Nerve Diseases / etiology
  • Oculomotor Nerve Injuries / complications*
  • Oculomotor Nerve Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Young Adult