[Neurovascular cross-compression syndromes of the cerebellopontine angle]

Neurovascular cross-compression syndromes involve the Vth, VIIth, VIIIth, and IXth cranial nerves. They share in common the same physiopathologic mechanism and are demonstrated by T2 volumetric MR explorations (CISS 3D and 3D TSE sequences) and 3D TOF MRA sequences of the posterior circulation. The cross compression is located at the root entry zone. Arterial loops are the classical offenders while venous compressions are less frequently encountered.