Delineation of the Nucleus Centre Median by Proton Density Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 3 T

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that proton density weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 3 T accomplishes delineation of the centre median (CM) complex from surrounding thalamic tissue and may improve targeting accuracy in stereotactic neurosurgery. METHODS: Five healthy subjects (1 man, 4 women; age range 22-35 years) underwent high-resolution MRI at 3 T with different imaging parameters in order to optimize the direct visualization of the CM. RESULTS: In healthy subjects, the CM complex of the thalamus can be reliably contrasted on axially oriented slices by means of proton density weighted turbo-spin-echo MRI. An inplane resolution of at least 0.6 x 0.6 mm(2) is crucial at a slice thickness between 2 and 3 mm. Effective suppression of head motion is essential. CONCLUSION: MRI-based delineation of the CM could have therapeutic potential to facilitate target determination for neuromodulation in stereotactic neurosurgery.