Computed tomography of the brain stem with intrathecal metrizamide. Part I: the normal brain stem

Abstract
In summary, the anatomic details of the brain stem are exquisitely demonstrated with metrizamide CT. The obex is the zone of transition from the closed medulla, which has a conical pear-shaped appearance to the quadriconcave open medulla. The pyramids and inferior olivary nuclei characterize the anterior surface of the open medulla, whereas the median sulcus and the cranial nerve nuclei constitute the floor of the fourth ventricle at the same level. The mushroomlike appearance of the pontomedullary junction is easily reproducible with the restiform bodies forming the posteriorly diverging biped. The seventh and eighth nerves are usually seen at this level or on the adjacent higher section of the low pons. The brachia pontis are well delineated in almost their entire length at the level of the low pons as they bound the fourth ventricle laterally. The trigeminal nerves are seen at the level of the midpons, which is a few millimeters lower than the isthmus. The latter constitutes the junction of the pons wi...

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