Fig. 4.

Overview of the changes occurring in the subarachnoid and intracerebral CSF spaces [including the superior sagittal sinus (area 1) and the ventricles (area 2) of the cosmonauts across the different time points. (A−C) Schematic coronal visualization, taking together the current findings as well as an overview of previously described changes in previous studies of long-duration space travelers (6, 7). (D−F) Exemplary individual raw data on similar coronal slices, from which, especially, the ventricular enlargement is visible to the untrained, naked eye. (A and D) Baseline status, i.e., the preflight situation. (B and E) Postflight situation (on average, 9 d after returning to Earth). Cerebral ventricular enlargement, widening of the subarachnoid CSF space around the temporal and parietal lobes (7), and a compression of the superior sagittal sinus (6, 7) and a narrower longitudinal fissure can be noted. (C and F) Illustrations of the situation at follow-up (on average, 7 mo after returning to Earth). They show a partial normalization of ventricular CSF volumes and rewidening of the superior sagittal sinus.