Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40779024›Full record

SynthesisEuropean radiology experimental2025

MRI-based 3D models of cranial nerves in clinical care: a systematic review.

Manon C M Moll, Luc H E Karssemakers, Milou Baarsma, Loes M M Braun, Leon C Ter Beek, Stevie van der Mierden, Baris Karakullukcu, Ludi E Smeele, Maarten J A van Alphen, Matthijs H Valstar

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in European radiology experimental, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Manon C M MollDepartment of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Plesmanlaan 121 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. man.moll@nki.nl.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0003-9250-7465
Luc H E KarssemakersDepartment of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Plesmanlaan 121 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Milou BaarsmaDepartment of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Plesmanlaan 121 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Loes M M BraunDepartment of Radiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Leon C Ter BeekDepartment of Medical Physics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Stevie van der MierdenScientific Information Services, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Baris KarakullukcuDepartment of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Plesmanlaan 121 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Ludi E SmeeleDepartment of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Plesmanlaan 121 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Maarten J A van AlphenDepartment of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Plesmanlaan 121 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Matthijs H ValstarDepartment of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Plesmanlaan 121 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundTechnical advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition and reconstruction have improved the visualization of anatomical structures such as cranial nerves (CNs) and enabled subsequent three-dimensional (3D) models for use in clinical care. However, a comprehensive overview of indications and techniques is lacking. The current study aimed to comprehensively describe and assess the techniques and applications used in MRI-based 3D modeling of CNs.

methodsWe conducted a systematic review of articles published in Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases on clinically applied MRI-based 3D models of CNs up to December 2023. We modified the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies to assess the risk of bias.

resultsWe analyzed 37 studies presenting virtual 3D models of CNs II, III, and V-X in proximity to pathologies in the head and neck area and intracranial, including vestibular schwannoma, skull base tumors, cerebellopontine angle tumors, and neurovascular compression syndrome. Certain studies explored alternative visualization modalities, including printed and augmented reality models. The creation of these 3D models involved the utilization of several MRI sequences and segmentation tools. The models demonstrate potential benefits for preoperative planning, intraoperative decision-making, and patient counseling.

conclusionMRI-specific sequences and segmentation techniques render CNs in 3D models, helping before and during surgery. RELEVANCE STATEMENT: MRI-based 3D models of cranial nerves help surgeons before and during surgery and enhance patient understanding of the procedure and its risks. Wider clinical adoption requires an established workflow, technical expertise, and collaboration to ensure accessibility and knowledge sharing. KEY POINTS: 3D modeling of cranial nerves is a promising tool for preoperative planning, surgery, and patient-doctor communication. Data heterogeneity and small sample sizes hinder definitive conclusions about the best MRI techniques and segmentation protocols for 3D visualization of cranial nerves. Adopting MRI-based 3D models widely needs a set workflow, technical skills, and team collaboration.

Indexed as

Cranial NervesImaging, Three-DimensionalMagnetic Resonance ImagingHumansModels, AnatomicAugmented realityCranial nervesImaging (three-dimensional)Magnetic resonance imagingSurgical procedures

Identifiers

PMID40779024
PMCPMC12334392

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.