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High‐resolution ultrasound of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve: Normal appearance and pathological findings in a postsurgical case series
Author(s) -
Picasso Riccardo,
Zaottini Federico,
Pistoia Federico,
Carobbio Andrea,
Ascoli Alessandro,
Barabino Emanuele,
Perez Maribel Miguel,
Parrinello Giampiero,
Peretti Giorgio,
Martinoli Carlo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.26720
Subject(s) - mismatch negativity , medicine , cadaveric spasm , ultrasound , facial nerve , radiology , audiology , surgery , electroencephalography , psychiatry
Background The aim of this study was to validate high‐resolution ultrasound (US) as an imaging modality able to map the normal marginal mandibular nerve (MMN) and recognize its abnormalities in the postoperative setting. Methods The ability of US to recognize the MMN was first tested by injecting latex under US guidance on three fresh frozen cadavers. Then, a standardized scanning protocol was established on 20 healthy volunteers based on appropriate landmarks. Finally, a postsurgical series of three patients with MMN abnormalities were examined with US. Results In the cadaveric study, US‐guided latex injection provided identification of the MMN. In healthy volunteers, US was able to recognize the MMN for a segment of 3.4 ± 1.2 cm in length. Pathologic abnormalities of the MMN were detected and characterized in three patients. Conclusions High‐resolution US is a valuable diagnostic tool to identify the MMN and might have potential for detecting its pathologic changes.