Anatomic considerations, nomenclature, and advanced cross-sectional imaging techniques for visualization of the cranial nerve segments by MR imaging

Ari M Blitz; Asim F Choudhri; Zachary D Chonka; Ahmet T Ilica; Leonardo L Macedo; Avneesh Chhabra; Gary L Gallia; Nafi Aygun

doi:10.1016/j.nic.2013.03.020

Anatomic considerations, nomenclature, and advanced cross-sectional imaging techniques for visualization of the cranial nerve segments by MR imaging

Neuroimaging Clin N Am. 2014 Feb;24(1):1-15. doi: 10.1016/j.nic.2013.03.020. Epub 2013 Jun 10.

Authors

Ari M Blitz¹, Asim F Choudhri, Zachary D Chonka, Ahmet T Ilica, Leonardo L Macedo, Avneesh Chhabra, Gary L Gallia, Nafi Aygun

Affiliation

¹ Division of Neuroradiology, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiologic Science, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Phipps B-100, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Electronic address: Ablitz1@jhmi.edu.

PMID: 24210309
DOI: 10.1016/j.nic.2013.03.020

Abstract

Various methods of cross-sectional imaging are used for visualization of the cranial nerves, relying heavily on MR imaging. The success of the MR imaging sequences for visualization of cranial nerves depends on their anatomic context at the point of evaluation. The heterogeneity of opinion regarding optimal evaluation of the cranial nerves is partly a function of the complexity of cranial nerve anatomy. A variety of approaches are advocated and variations in equipment and terminology cloud the field. This article proposes a segmental classification and corresponding nomenclature for imaging evaluation of the cranial nerves and reviews technical considerations and applicable literature.

Keywords: Cranial nerve segments; Cross-sectional imaging; MR imaging.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Anatomy, Cross-Sectional / methods
Cranial Nerve Diseases / classification
Cranial Nerve Diseases / pathology*
Cranial Nerves / pathology*
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods*
Neuroimaging / methods*
Terminology as Topic*