What are the novel findings of this work?This study demonstrates that half of fetuses eligible for prenatal open spina bifida repair have structural brain anomalies, such as an abnormal corpus callosum or heterotopia. Such anomalies were more likely in the presence of a lumbar or higher lesion and wider lateral ventricles (≥ 15 mm). What are the clinical implications of this work?Our findings highlight the relevance of detailed prenatal and preoperative assessment of the brain in fetuses with open spina bifida. One can expect that around half of affected fetuses will present with central nervous system anomalies prior to fetal surgery, which may be considered as additional information for presurgical counseling.

Our findings suggest that MHL may be a predictor of WMV reduction but cannot predict EF or EVM in DAI. Brain atrophy progresses over time, but patients showed better EF and EVM in some of the tests, which could be due to neuroplasticity.

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Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an uncommon condition that is potentially reversible if properly diagnosed and promptly treated. Although CVT can occur at any age, it most commonly affects neonates and young adults. Clinical diagnosis is difficult because the clinical manifestations of CVT are nonspecific, including headache, seizures, decreased level of consciousness, and focal neurologic deficits. Therefore, imaging is crucial for the diagnosis. Radiologists should be able to identify the findings of CVT and to recognize potential imaging pitfalls that may lead to misdiagnosis. Thus, the appropriate treatment (anticoagulation therapy) can be started early, thereby avoiding complications and unfavorable outcomes.

The cranial nerves, which represent extensions of the functional structures of the brain, traverse the head and neck. They are connected to various cranial structures and are associated with several diseases. An in-depth understanding of their complex anatomy and normal imaging appearance allows the examiner to identify and characterize abnormalities with greater precision. One important tool for evaluating the cranial nerves is contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, especially three-dimensional steady-state free precession sequences, which provide high soft-tissue and spatial resolution, despite the slenderness of the nerves. In most cases, imaging findings are nonspecific. Therefore, to narrow the differential diagnosis, it is necessary to take a full patient anamnesis, perform a focused physical examination and order laboratory tests. In this pictorial essay we review, illustrate and discuss, from a pathophysiological perspective, congenital, traumatic, and vascular diseases of the cranial nerves.