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

PURPOSE: To describe the thin-slice magnetic resonance imaging features of vascular compressive oculomotor nerve paresis. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: This is the first case report of vascular compressive oculomotor nerve paresis disclosed by thin-slice magnetic resonance imaging. (C ) 1998 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.).