Diagnostic pitfall of progressive isolated abducens nerve palsy: a report of two cases
Keywords:
Abducens nerve, Cranial nerve palsy, Magnetic resonance imagingAbstract
We describe two cases of progressive abducens nerve palsy secondary to a compressive lesion in the Dorello canal. Blood tests, lumbar puncture, nasopharyngeal examination, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography were performed, but the etiology could not be identified. After consultation with a neuroradiologist, fine-cut magnetic resonance imaging along the course of the abducens nerve with gadolinium and constructive interference in steady state sequences was performed, and the diagnosis was made. In cases of small intracranial pathology, the use of thinner slices or specific sequences is suggested to better visualize the course of cranial nerves.
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