NMR imaging of the orbit: An initial evaluation and comparison with CT

Abstract

Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) is approaching the current standard of spatial resolution set by computed tomography (CT). NMRI is not subject to specific limitations of CT such as beam hardening artifacts, partial volume effects due to bone, and potential dangers of ionizing radiation. the authors present eight patients with mass lesions of the orbit, optic nerve, and chiasmatic area studied by NMRI and CT. the strengths and weaknesses of the images are discussed. NMR tissue parameters T₁ and T₂ are related to image intensity in these tumors and future developments in the use of these parameters are suggested.

Key Words:

• nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI)
• orbital tumors
• orbital imaging