Visualizing the Vagus Nerve in Cadavers with High-Resolution MRI

Motivation: Clinical visualization of the vagus nerve is challenging due to nerve diameter and tortuosity, as well as variation between subjects, making implementation of stimulation therapies difficult. Goal(s): Determine feasibility of bilateral vagus visualization in embalmed cadavers using high-resolution imaging. Approach: Thirteen cadavers were imaged at 0.5-0.6 mm isotropic resolution using 3D constructive interference in steady state (CISS) and volumetric interpolated breath-hold sequence (VIBE). Scanning covered the extent of the vagus from the skull base to the abdomen and imaging was correlated to gross dissection. Results: The vagus nerve was visualized bilaterally most clearly with CISS and 0.5mm uninterpolated spatial resolution. Impact: MRI visualization of the vagus, cranial nerve X, could be used to direct future interventions including potential percutaneous MRI-guided procedures. Cadaveric imaging can help optimize acquisitions for future in vivo translation.