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Free Content Primer of Brainstem Anatomy: A Detailed Examination of Anatomy and Pathology Through MRI and DTI

We present a pictorial review of brain stem anatomy and vasculature at the level of the midbrain, pons, and medulla by comparing multiple modalities, including MR imaging, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), color-coded presentation mapping, and diffusion tensor tractography. This side-by-side comparison explored important nuclei and pathways, such as the pyramidal tracts, transverse pontine fibers, medial longitudinal fasciculus, medial lemniscus, lateral lemniscus, and central tegmental tract. In addition, we introduced clinical case examples, such as congenital anomalies, stroke, neoplasm, neurodegenerative disease, metabolic disease, and Wallerian degeneration. These clinical case examples helped solidify our understanding of brain stem anatomy.

Learning Objectives: List brainstem tracts that can be elucidated with diffusion tractography, and document their normal pathways.

Keywords: CN = cranial nerve; DTI = diffusion tensor imaging; MLF = medial longitudinal fasciculus; MSA = multiple system atrophy; PICA = posterior inferior cerebellar artery

Document Type: Research Article

Publication date: 01 March 2016

More about this publication?
  • Neurographics is the peer-reviewed, quarterly educational journal of the American Society of Neuroradiology. The journal includes review articles as well as high-yield case reports that have been solicited from society meetings, including the annual meeting of the ASNR as well as the American Society of Spine Radiology, the American Society of Pediatric Neuroradiology, the American Society of Functional Neuroradiology, and the American Society of Head and Neck Radiology meetings. Unsolicited educational review articles and case reports are also accepted for review at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief. Submissions focusing on a pictorial approach to educational objectives are highly encouraged. The journal is open access and available online. CME credit is offered for reading review articles and completing activity evaluations through the ASNR Education Connection website: https://www.pathlms.com/asnr
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