Relationship between trigeminal nerve and its adjacent vessels by 3D-CE-TOF-SPGR sequence in Enshi Tujia nationality population without trigeminal neuralgia

Objective To explore relationship between trigeminal neuralgia in the cisternal segment and its adjacent vessels by 3D-CE-TOF-SPGR sequence in Enshi Tujia nationality population without trigeminal neuralgia. Methods The enhanced axial 3D-TOF-SPGR combined multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) were performed in 50 Enshi Tujia nationality subjects without trigeminal neuralgia to observe the relations between cisternal segment of the trigeminal nerve and its adjacent vessels and the existence of vascular compression.The result was compared with the data from literatures. Results Among the 50 patients,the trigeminal nerve and adjacent vessels were shown clearly.The trigeminal nerve and adjacent vessels were discrete in 74 sides (74%),contact in 24 sides (24%) and oppressive in 2 sides (2%).When compared with literatures (77% and 23%),the difference was not significant (χ²=0.243,P=0.622). Conclusion The 3D-CE-TOF-SPGR sequence could be used to investigate relationship between trigeminal nerve and its adjacent vessels.There is no significant difference for rate of contact and compression between microvascular and trigeminal nerve in Enshi Tujia nationality population without trigeminal neuralgia.The results may become basis to research etiology of trigeminal neuralgia of Enshi minority groups.