The Meckel cave: computed tomographic study. Part I: Normal anatomy; Part II: Pathology.

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Abstract
A formalin-fixed cadaver head, with air filling the cisternal and ventricular spaces, was scanned by high-resolution computed tomography (CT) in multiple planes (axial, coronal, and sagittal) through the Meckel cave. Correlation of the CT appearance of the Meckel cave was made with an anatomic dissection and whole-head band and saw cross-sections. The appearance of the Meckel caves in normal patients was defined using similar high-resolution CT technique, with i.v. and intrathecal contrast enhancement. CT techniques allowed consistent and accurate definition of the Meckel cave, the 5th cranial nerve, and adjacent anatomic structures. CT findings of 13 patients with lesions of the Meckel cave are also reviewed, including 6 trigeminal schwannomas, the 3 meningiomas, 2 secondary tumors, 1 glioma, and 1 congenital fatty tumor. Surgical confirmation was present in 11 cases. Diagnosis and determination of the extent of Meckel cave lesions is possible with the use of high-resolution CT.