Vascular loop syndromes

Abstract

Vascular loop syndromes are disorders usually associated with vascular compression of the specific cranial nerves. Neuroimaging may play an important role in the preoperative diagnosis of these syndromes. MRI can detect the vascular loops compressing the cranial nerves (fifth, seventh, ninth, eighth, and fourth) and can also rule out secondary causes. The aim of this chapter is to outline the clinical features and pathogenesis of neurovascular syndromes and give an overview of neuroimaging techniques and findings.