Work

Impact of Scan Location on Visualization Characteristics of the Lateral Rectus–Superior Rectus Band with High-Resolution MR Imaging

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: To analyze the imaging features of the lateral rectus-superior rectus (LR-SR) band as imaged with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at different orbital scan locations. METHODS: The LR-SR band features of patients who underwent high-resolution MRI for non-orbital pathology were evaluated at pre-defined locations by two independent readers. Analyzed features included (1) visibility, (2) continuity, and (3) superotemporal bowing of LR-SR band in a binary manner at 2.5 mm anterior (Zone I), at (Zone II) and posterior (Zone III) to the globe-optic nerve junction. RESULTS: Forty-eight orbits of 26 patients with an age range of 58-86 years were included. Visualization of the LR-SR band was significantly higher in Zone I (89.6%) compared to Zone II (79.2%) (p=0.03) and to Zone III (47.9%) (p<0.001). Among the orbits in which the LR-SR band was visualized, band continuity was most frequently observed in Zone I (94.7%), compared to Zone II (68.4%) (p=0.002) and in Zone III (52.2%) (p<0.001). Superotemporal bowing was detected with higher frequency posteriorly, rising from 21.1% in Zone I to 47.4% in Zone II (p=0.002) and to 56.5% in Zone III (p<0.001). A higher degree of reproducibility for LR-SR band visibility and continuity was noted in anterior scan locations. CONCLUSIONS: The LR-SR band is most consistently visualized on coronal MRI images obtained anterior to the globe-optic nerve junction, while degenerative changes are more frequently observed in posterior scan locations. Establishing and reporting a standardized coronal imaging plane referenced to a consistent anatomic landmark may improve reproducibility and comparability of the LR-SR band across studies and allow for more robust clinical interpretation.

Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology

DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a9235

Authors: Nicholas Tomaras, Burce Ozgen, Rishi Patel, Nathalie F. Azar, Mehmet C. Mocan

Institution: University of Illinois Chicago

Language: English

Topic: Ophthalmology and Eye Disorders

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Research to Prevent Blindness