Abstract:

Objective　We investigated the anatomical spatial relations between vessels and nerves around the medulla oblongata in patients with primary medullary hypertension by MR new techniques.  Methods　Patients with diagnosis of neurogenic hypertension and patients in the control group underwent high resolution 3D-FIESTA and MRVE imaging.　Results　The cranial nerves were vascularly compressed and in contact with the vessels on the ventrolateral aspect of medulla oblongata in 19 cases, accounting for 59.38%, including 2 cases of V, 17 cases of IX and X. 13 cases had no obvious vascular compression and contact. The blood vessels and brain stem did not contact or intersect in 7 cases (21.86%); and the brain stem and vessels intersect but not in contact in 6 cases (18.75%); brain stem and vessels contact in a small area(28.13%); and the brain stem and vessels contacted and the brain stems were displaced in 10 cases (31.25%). The vessels that were in contact with the nerves included the posterior inferior cerebellar artery in 10 cases  and the vertebral artery in 6 cases. The anterior inferior cerebellar artery accounted for only 10.5%. Conclusions　MR 3D-FIESTA imaging and MRVE post-processing techniques can display the medulla oblongata neurovascular relationships of primary hypertension patients, and has a certain significance for investigation of the etiology of primary hypertension and for treatment guidance.

Key words: Neurogenic hypertension, 3D-FIESTA, MRVE, Cranial nerve, Medulla