Trigeminal root entry zone involvement in neuromyelitis optica and multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Trigeminal root entry zone abnormality on brain magnetic resonance imaging has been frequently reported in multiple sclerosis patients, but it has not been investigated in neuromyelitis optica patients. Brain magnetic resonance imaging of 128 consecutive multiple sclerosis patients and 46 neuromyelitis optica patients was evaluated. Trigeminal root entry zone abnormality was present in 11 (8.6%) of the multiple sclerosis patients and two (4.3%) of the neuromyelitis optica patients. The pontine trigeminal root entry zone may be involved in both multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica.

Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging; Multiple sclerosis; Neuromyelitis optica; Trigeminal nerve; Trigeminal neuralgia; Trigeminal root entry zone.