Overview

The 3.0T system offers increased signal contrast and higher resolution imaging than systems of lower field strength without increased acquisition times for improved surgical planning for acoustic schwannomas. (Fig. 1A, 1B)

Case Study

A 51 year old man presented with left neurosensory hearing loss. MRI evaluation revealed a contrast enhancing (Fig. 2), T1-hypointense, T2-hyperintense (Fig. 3), lobulated mass in the left ambient cistern with extension into the expanded left internal auditory canal. Although there is no mass effect on the brainstem, the mass encompasses the superior and inferior divisions of the VIII cranial nerve. The VII cranial nerve is not visualized within the internal auditory canal. The mass is consistent with acoustic schwannoma which is usually surgically removed. The anterior inferior cerebellar artery (Fig. 3) forms a loop across the top of the mass. This artery must be avoided during surgical removal of the mass. The left jugular bulb (Fig. 2) rises more superiorly than normal and blocks the conventional surgical approach to remove this mass.

Figure 1A: 3.0T Image	Figure 1B: 1.5T Image, same parameters

Whereas the surgically important information was readily available from the high resolution FSE and pre and post contrast 3D SPGR images acquired on the 3.0T scanner, the equivalent images at 1.5T did not yield as clear information for surgical planning. The increased signal contrast from T1 relaxation effects of gadolinium contrast as well as higher resolution possible without increased acquisition time at 3.0T offer improved surgical planning for acoustic schwannomas.

Figure 2: Acoustic schwannoma (red) Jugular bulb (yellow)	Figure 3: Anterior inferior cerebellar artery (red)

The image quality on the web depends on your computer configuration and settings.Therefore GE does not recommend to consider it as the actual system image.