Abstract
We reconstructed the fusion image of FIESTA and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to allow clear visualization of the spatial relationship between the arteries and facial nerve in the cerebellopontine cistern. Methods. 10 patients with hemifacial spasm were studied. We compared their preoperative two-dimensional image (MRA and FIESTA) and three-dimensional reconstructed image with actual operative view. We reconstructed the fusion image by using computer visualization software (Amira, Maxnet, Tokyo, Japan). Results. In 5 patients (50%), the predicted offending arteries from two-dimensional images accorded with them in operation. In 8 patients (80%), the offending arteries from three-dimensional images accorded with them in operation. Conclusion. Three-dimensional reconstructed images of the fusion between MRA and FIESTA may prove a useful in the operative assesment of microvascular decompression in patients with hemifacial spasm.
