Vascular compression of the oculomotor nerve disclosed by thin-slice magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract

To describe the thin-slice magnetic resonance imaging features of vascular compressive oculomotor nerve paresis. We performed thin-slice (2 mm thick) magnetic resonance imaging of the brainstem in a 74-year-old woman with right partial oculomotor nerve paresis using spoiled gradient recalled acquisition in the steady state. Thin-slice magnetic resonance images disclosed that the right oculomotor nerve was compressed and dislocated superiorly and laterally by the tortuous basilar artery. No other abnormalities were observed. This is the first case report of vascular compressive oculomotor nerve paresis disclosed by thin-slice magnetic resonance imaging.