Visualization of the Medial and Lateral Geniculate Nucleus on Phase Difference Enhanced Imaging

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The precise identification and measurement of the medial geniculate nucleus and lateral geniculate nucleus on MR imaging remain technically challenging because the thalamic nuclei are small structures. We compared the visualization of the medial geniculate nucleus and lateral geniculate nucleus on phase difference enhanced imaging with 3D high-resolution phase imaging, 2D-T2WI, STIR, proton attenuation–weighted imaging, and DTI acquired at 3T. We also measured the volume and height of the medial geniculate nucleus and lateral geniculate nucleus on phase difference enhanced imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phase difference enhanced, 2D-T2-weighted, STIR, proton attenuation–weighted, and DTI were acquired on a 3T MR imaging unit in 10 healthy volunteers. Two neuroradiologists recorded the qualitative visualization scores of the medial geniculate nucleus and lateral geniculate nucleus, specifically the identification of their boundaries, for all images. Measurement differences were assessed with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The volume and height of the medial geniculate nucleus and lateral geniculate nucleus were measured on phase difference enhanced imaging and compared with previously reported values.

RESULTS: The qualitative visualization scores of the lateral geniculate nucleus and medial geniculate nucleus were significantly higher on phase difference enhanced images than on T2-weighted, proton attenuation–weighted, STIR, or DTI (P < .05). On phase difference enhanced imaging, the medial geniculate nucleus and lateral geniculate nucleus were bordered by low-intensity structures: the cerebral peduncle, the origin of the optic radiation, and the superior and inferior quadrigeminal brachia. The volume of the medial geniculate nucleus and lateral geniculate nucleus varied from 74.0 to 183.75 mm³ (mean, 129.0 ± 34.7 mm³) and from 96.5 to 173.75 mm³ (mean, 135.2 ± 28.0 mm³), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: For the depiction of the medial geniculate nucleus and lateral geniculate nucleus on 3T MR imaging, phase difference enhanced imaging is superior to conventional MR imaging. The medial geniculate nucleus and lateral geniculate nucleus volumes vary among individuals.