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.

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.…”

Doenças neurometabólicas hereditárias e a importância das classificações baseadas em achados de imagem

“…A ressonância magnética é a modalidade de escolha para avaliação de várias doenças do sistema nervoso central (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) , dentre elas as DNMHs, sendo crucial na identificação, caracterização e localização das alterações. É ainda o principal método de rastreio de familiares para aconselhamento genético e no acompanhamento dos pacientes, seja na avaliação da progressão natural da doença ou de uma eventual resposta terapêutica (8)(9)(10) .…”

Inherited neurometabolic diseases and the importance of imaging-based classification systems

“…Magnetic resonance imaging is the modality of choice for the evaluation of various diseases of the central nervous system (3)(4)(5)(6)(7) , including INMDs, being crucial for the localization, identification, and characterization of alterations. It is still the main method employed for monitoring patients with INMDs, either to evaluate the natural progression of the disease or to assess the response to treatment, as well as being used in order to screen family members for genetic counseling (8)(9)(10) .…”