Delineation of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle: a magnetic resonance imaging study.

IF 1.2 4区医学 Q2 Medicine

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy Pub Date : 2026-10-08 DOI:10.1007/s00276-026-04022-6

Satoshi Tsutsumi, Satoru Kawai, Natsuki Sugiyama, Hideaki Ueno, Michimasa Suzuki, Hisato Ishii

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Purpose: To the best of our knowledge, the levator palpebrae superioris muscle (LM) has not been previously evaluated radiologically. This study aimed to explore the LM using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: A total of 109 patients underwent thin-section coronal T2-weighted MRI. For comparison, the orbits were dissected on four sides of two cadaver heads.

Results: On cadaveric specimens, the LMs partially overlapped the superior rectus muscles (SRMs) at the orbital apex. Additionally, an oculomotor branch was observed to initially course along the inferior aspect of the SRM, then bridge the medial margin of the muscle and finally distribute over the LM. On MRI, intermuscular separations were identified in 79% between the LM and SRM. They were open at the medial edges and closed at the lateral edges and demonstrated signal intensity similar to that of the orbital fat. The widths and heights of the separations were highly variable but more distinct towards anteriorly. In 20%, the separations were symmetrical, while they were right-side-predominant in 28% and left-side-predominant in 31%. Similarly, the widths of both LMs were considerably variable. In 33%, they were symmetrical, while right-side-predominant in 23% and left-side-predominant in 25%.

Conclusions: The LM and SRM are separated by intervening fat tissue with open medial and closed lateral edges, not uniformly attached with each other. The LM may be more easily separated from the SRM when approached from the medial side.

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提上睑肌的描绘：磁共振成像研究。

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来源期刊

Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy Medicine-Pathology and Forensic Medicine

CiteScore

2.40

自引率

14.30%

发文量

期刊介绍： Anatomy is a morphological science which cannot fail to interest the clinician. The practical application of anatomical research to clinical problems necessitates special adaptation and selectivity in choosing from numerous international works. Although there is a tendency to believe that meaningful advances in anatomy are unlikely, constant revision is necessary. Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, the first international journal of Clinical anatomy has been created in this spirit. Its goal is to serve clinicians, regardless of speciality-physicians, surgeons, radiologists or other specialists-as an indispensable aid with which they can improve their knowledge of anatomy. Each issue includes: Original papers, review articles, articles on the anatomical bases of medical, surgical and radiological techniques, articles of normal radiologic anatomy, brief reviews of anatomical publications of clinical interest. Particular attention is given to high quality illustrations, which are indispensable for a better understanding of anatomical problems. Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy is a journal written by anatomists for clinicians with a special interest in anatomy.