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Abstract #1896

Visualizing the Vagus Nerve in Cadavers with High-Resolution MRI

Daniel Herzka1, Noa B. Nuzov2, Goksel Sali1, Jasper Reimers2, Leina Lunasco2,3, Brandon Brunsman3, Michael Markley1, Nicole A. Pelot4, Chris A. Flask1,2,5, Andrew R. Crofton3, Andrew J. Shoffstal2,6, and Ari M. Blitz1
1Radiology, Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States, 2Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States, 3Anatomy, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States, 4Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States, 5Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States, 6L. Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States

Synopsis

Keywords: Peripheral Nerves, Neurography, Nervous System, cadaveric MRI, vagus nerve

Motivation: Clinical visualization of the vagus nerve is challenging due to nerve diameter and tortuosity, as well as variation between subjects, making implementation of stimulation therapies difficult.

Goal(s): Determine feasibility of bilateral vagus visualization in embalmed cadavers using high-resolution imaging.

Approach: Thirteen cadavers were imaged at 0.5-0.6 mm isotropic resolution using 3D constructive interference in steady state (CISS) and volumetric interpolated breath-hold sequence (VIBE). Scanning covered the extent of the vagus from the skull base to the abdomen and imaging was correlated to gross dissection.

Results: The vagus nerve was visualized bilaterally most clearly with CISS and 0.5mm uninterpolated spatial resolution.

Impact: MRI visualization of the vagus, cranial nerve X, could be used to direct future interventions including potential percutaneous MRI-guided procedures. Cadaveric imaging can help optimize acquisitions for future in vivo translation.

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