Magnetic resonance imaging of the cranial nerves in congenital, traumatic, and vascular diseases: a pictorial essay

Abstract

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.

Ocular Motor Cranial Nerve Palsies and Increased Risk of Primary Malignant Brain Tumors: South Korean National Health Insurance Data

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Magnetic resonance imaging of the cranial nerves in infectious, neoplastic, and demyelinating diseases, as well as other inflammatory diseases: a pictorial essay

“…In a previous article (1) , we reviewed congenital, traumatic, and vascular diseases of the cranial nerves. This pictorial essay goes further, illustrating infectious, neo-plastic, and demyelinating diseases, as well as other inflammatory diseases.…”

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