Deep medullary vein abnormalities impact white matter hyperintensity volume through increases in interstitial free water.

BACKGROUND: Our intent was to explore the mediating role of interstitial free water (FW) linking deep medullary vein (DMV) score to white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume. METHODS: Our research team conducted a forward-looking analysis of initial clinical and imaging information gathered from 125 patients with cerebral small vessel disease. We identified six anatomic DMV regions on susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) studies. Each region earned a score of 0-3, determined by the visual conditions of vessels, summing all six to generate a DMV score. We utilized fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences to measure the volume of WMH. Additionally, we employed diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess FW value. RESULTS: DMV score significantly positively correlated with FW value and with WMH volume (p < 0.05), and value of FW positively correlated with WMH volume (p < 0.05). The indirect effect of DMV score on WMH volume was mediated by FW (ß = 0.281, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.178-0.388), whether adjusted for age and gender (ß = 0.142, 95% CI: 0.058-0.240) or for age, gender and vascular risk factors (ß = 0.141, 95% CI: 0.054-0.249). CONCLUSION: DMV score correlate with WMH volume by virtue of FW increases in white matter.

Diagnostic performance of central vein sign versus oligoclonal bands for multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) oligoclonal bands (OCB) are a diagnostic biomarker in multiple sclerosis (MS). The central vein sign (CVS) is an imaging biomarker for MS that may improve diagnostic accuracy. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study is to examine the diagnostic performance of simplified CVS methods in comparison to OCB in participants with clinical or radiological suspicion for MS. METHODS: Participants from the CentrAl Vein Sign in MS (CAVS-MS) pilot study with CSF testing were included. Select-3 and Select-6 (counting up to three or six CVS+ lesions per scan) were rated on post-gadolinium FLAIR* images. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value for Select-3, Select-6, OCB, and combinations thereof were calculated for MS diagnosis at baseline and at 12 months. RESULTS: Of 53 participants, 25 were OCB+. At baseline, sensitivity for MS diagnosis was 0.75 for OCB, 0.83 for Select-3, and 0.71 for Select-6. Specificity for MS diagnosis was 0.76 for OCB, 0.48 for Select-3, and 0.86 for Select-6. At 12 months, PPV for MS diagnosis was 0.95 for Select-6 and 1.00 for Select-6 with OCB+ status. DISCUSSION: Results suggest similar diagnostic performance of simplified CVS methods and OCB. Ongoing studies will refine whether CVS could be used in replacement or in conjunction with OCB.

Comment on "Route patterns of the collateral venous pathway in patients with tumors invading the superior sagittal sinus: an angiographic study and clinical applications".

This commentary critiques the study "Route patterns of the collateral venous pathway in patients with tumors invading the superior sagittal sinus" by Pawit Jirawisan et al., highlighting its limitations in discussing parafalcine venous collaterals, reliance on invasive imaging modalities, and lack of structured assessments. It suggests improvements by incorporating alternative imaging techniques, acknowledging crucial venous structures, and providing grading systems for surgical decision-making.

Impact of superficial middle cerebral vein compression on peritumoral brain edema of the sphenoid wing meningioma.

OBJECTIVE: Sphenoid wing meningiomas (SWMs) often cause occlusion or stenosis of the superficial middle cerebral vein (SMCV) by tumor compression. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between SMCV compression and peritumoral brain edema (PTBE) in SWM patients and to clarify the importance of surgical preservation of the SMCV in SWM surgery. METHODS: This retrospective study included 31 patients who underwent surgery for SWM at our institution from April 2011 to March 2022. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, PTBE size, and SMCV patency before and after surgery were evaluated using preoperative and postoperative MRI or digital subtraction angiography. RESULTS: Of the 31 patients, 24 (77.4 %) exhibited PTBE, with varying degrees of severity: mild (32.3 %), moderate (25.8 %), and severe (41.9 %). Preoperative MRI showed SMCV patency in 14 patients (45.2 %) and SMCV compression in 17 patients (54.8 %). There was a significant association between PTBE severity and SMCV compression (p = 0.002). Postoperatively, SMCV recanalization was observed in 4 out of 16 patients (25.0 %) with preoperative SMCV compression. These patients had significantly smaller tumors (p = 0.013) and larger preoperative PTBE volumes (p = 0.042) compared to those without recanalization. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates a significant correlation between SMCV compression and severe PTBE in SWM patients. A subset of patients showed postoperative SMCV recanalization, particularly those with smaller tumors and more pronounced PTBE. These findings highlight the importance of SMCV preservation during SWM surgery to potentially improve postoperative outcomes.

[The central vein sign in the differential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis]. / Simptom tsentral'noi veny v differentsial'noi diagnostike rasseyannogo skleroza.

OBJECTIVE: To carry out a clinical and radiological assessment of the central vein sign (CVS) as a diagnostic marker for multiple sclerosis (MS) and other demyelinating and non-demyelinating diseases with focal brain damage, using clinical and laboratory examination data, as well as MRI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The results of clinical and neuroradiological examination of 107 patients diagnosed with MS or with other diseases accompanied by focal brain damage according to MRI data were analyzed. RESULTS: CVS is a sensitive but low-specific diagnostic marker of MS. According to our data, the sensitivity and specificity of 40 and 50% of the threshold of perivenular lesions in the diagnosis of MS are the same and amount to 100% and 39.4%, respectively. Neither the type of MS course, nor the severity of the course, nor the intake of DMT (disease modifying treatment), affect the proportion of foci with CVS. The spread of the proportion of foci with CVS in patients with MS was 60-100%. The proportion of foci with CVS is below 40 and 50% of the threshold in patients with demyelinating and non-demyelinating diseases (NMOSD, migraine, systemic lupus erythematosus, Susak disease, CLIPPERS), which allows for differential diagnosis with MS. The proportion of foci with CVS comparable to MS in patients with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, small vessel disease, as well as in patients with radiologically isolated syndrome does not allow using this symptom in the differential diagnosis of these conditions. CONCLUSION: The use of CVS as a diagnostic marker of MS is possible only in combination with the already existing diagnostic criteria of MS.

Route patterns of the collateral venous pathway in patients with tumors invading the superior sagittal sinus: an angiographic study and clinical applications.

Chronic occlusion of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) by tumors in the midsagittal region causes the collateral venous pathway (CVP). Understanding common patterns of CVP is helpful in reducing surgical complications. This study aimed to investigate the CVP found in patients with SSS-invading tumors, and to provide information on the prevention of operative venous complications. From January 2015 to December 2022, this retrospective study collected patients with tumors that invaded the SSS and underwent digital subtraction angiography of intracranial vessels. Data collected included sex, age, tumor pathology, tumor location along the SSS, tumor side, degree of obstruction of the SSS, types and route patterns of the CVP, and the distance between the tumor and the diploic vein (DV). Twenty patients (6 males, 14 females) were recruited. The prevalence of CVP types was 90% for DV, 35% for end-to-end anastomosis of superficial cortical vein, 15% for meningeal vein, and 20% for other types of CVP. The pteriofrontoparietal and occipitoparietal diploic routes were found on the cerebral hemisphere contralateral to the tumor significantly more than in the cerebral hemisphere ipsilateral to the tumor. Of all patients with presence of collateral DV, 61% had a very close (less than 1 cm) distance between the nearest DV and tumor attachment in the SSS. DV in the cerebral hemisphere contralateral to the tumor was the most common type of CVP found in patients with tumor-induced SSS obstruction. Most of the collateral DV was located very close to the SSS tumor attachment. Neurosurgeons should realize these findings when planning a craniotomy.

MV-flow in the assessment of fetal vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation.

MV-Flow is a tool enables to acquire spatially and temporally coherent data on low-speed blood flow information. In our case, it allowed a better definition of vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation morphology, venous drainage and feeder vessels than standard ultrasound techniques.

Comparative Analysis of Patients Undergoing Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia Caused by Solely Arterial or Solely Venous Compression.

OBJECTIVE: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) due to venous compression is far less common than that due to arterial compression, and its pathogenesis is less clear. We investigated the clinical and imaging features of TN caused by solely venous compression by measuring the morphologies of the posterior cranial fossa (PCF) and the trigeminal nerve. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of TN patients who underwent microvascular decompression at our institution and extracted cases with solely arterial or solely venous compression. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging was used to find the length (Y), width (X), height (Z), and volume (V) of the PCF, the angle between the trigeminal nerve and pons, and the distance between Meckel's cave and the root entry zone of the trigeminal nerve. RESULTS: Of 152 patients, 24 had TN caused solely by venous compression. The value of Y was significantly smaller in the venous group than the arterial group (P < 0.01). The trigeminal nerve and pons was significantly smaller in the venous group (P < 0.01). We hypothesized that TN patients with solely venous compression had a characteristic PCF morphology with a short anteroposterior diameter (Y), such that age-related changes in brain morphology could alter the course of the trigeminal nerve and cause compression by a vein. CONCLUSIONS: The morphological features of the PCF differed between patients with TN of venous and those with TN of arterial etiology. Age-related changes in brain morphology and changes of course of the trigeminal nerve may also add to the possibility of developing TN, especially of venous etiology.

Modified histological staining for the identification of arterial and venous segments of brain microvessels.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to develop a modified histochemical staining technique to successfully identify arterial and venous segments of brain microvessels. NEW METHOD: Gelatin/red ink-alkaline phosphatase-oil red O (GIAO) staining was developed from the traditional gelatin-ink perfusion method. Oil red Chinese ink for brush writing and painting mixed with gelatin was used to label cerebral vascular lumens. Subsequently, alkaline phosphatase staining was used to label endothelial cells on the arterial segments of cerebral microvessels. Thereafter, the red ink color in vessel lumens was highlighted with oil red O staining. RESULTS: The arterial segments of the brain microvessels exhibited red lumens surrounded by dark blue walls, while the venous segments were bright red following GIAO staining. Meanwhile, the nerve fiber bundles were stained brownish-yellow, and the nuclei appeared light green under light microscope. After cerebral infarction, we used GIAO staining to determine angiogenesis features and detected notable vein proliferation inside the infarct core. Moreover, GIAO staining in conjunction with hematoxylin staining was performed to assess the infiltration of foamy macrophages. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD: Red Chinese ink enabled subsequent multiple color staining on brain section. Oil red O was introduced to improved the resolution and contrast between arterial and venous segments of microvessels. CONCLUSION: With excellent resolution, GIAO staining effectively distinguished arterial and venous segments of microvessels in both normal and ischemic brain tissue. GIAO staining, as described in the present study, will be useful for histological investigations of microvascular bed alterations in a variety of brain disorders.

Perivascular spaces around arteries exceed perivenous spaces in the mouse brain.

The perivascular space (PVS) surrounds cerebral blood vessels and plays an important role in clearing waste products from the brain. Their anatomy and function have been described for arteries, but PVS around veins remain poorly characterized. Using in vivo 2-photon imaging in mice, we determined the size of the PVS around arteries and veins, and their connection with the subarachnoid space. After infusion of 70 kD FITC-dextran into the cerebrospinal fluid via the cisterna magna, labeled PVS were evident around arteries, but veins showed less frequent labeling of the PVS. The size of the PVS correlated with blood vessel size for both pial arteries and veins, but not for penetrating vessels. The PVS around pial arteries and veins was separated from the subarachnoid space by a thin meningeal layer, which did not form a barrier for the tracer. In vivo, FITC-dextran signal was observed adjacent to the vessel wall, but minimally within the wall itself. Post-mortem, there was a significant shift in the tracer's location within the arterial wall, extending into the smooth muscle layer. Taken together, these findings suggest that the PVS around veins has a limited role in the exchange of solutes between CSF and brain parenchyma.

Nonaneurysmal Perimesencephalic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Associated with an Anomalous Anastomotic Cisternal Vein.

A 54-year-old woman with no relevant medical history presented with severe headache, nausea, and vomiting for 8 days. Imaging examination revealed a subarachnoid hemorrhage in the left interpeduncular cistern without aneurysms. Computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography found an anomalous vein near the site of the hemorrhagic clots, indicating abnormalities in cerebral venous drainage that provided an anastomosis between the drainage system of the deep middle cerebral, petrosal, and lateral mesencephalic veins. In the primitive pattern, the basal vein of Rosenthal drains into the lateral mesencephalic vein and to the petrosal sinus. This anomalous flow may predispose to subarachnoid hemorrhage, emphasizing the association between nonaneurysmal perimesencephalic hemorrhage and venous anomalies.

New Imaging Markers in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders: Smoldering Inflammation and the Central Vein Sign.

Concepts of multiple sclerosis (MS) biology continue to evolve, with observations such as "progression independent of disease activity" challenging traditional phenotypic categorization. Iron-sensitive, susceptibility-based imaging techniques are emerging as highly translatable MR imaging sequences that allow for visualization of at least 2 clinically useful biomarkers: the central vein sign and the paramagnetic rim lesion (PRL). Both biomarkers demonstrate high specificity in the discrimination of MS from other mimics and can be seen at 1.5 T and 3 T field strengths. Additionally, PRLs represent a subset of chronic active lesions engaged in "smoldering" compartmentalized inflammation behind an intact blood-brain barrier.

The neurosurgeon's familiarity with the vein of Rolando.

The vein of Rolando, also known as the central sulcal vein, is a critical superficial cerebral vein located in the central sulcus, playing a pivotal role in the venous drainage of the motor and sensory cortices. Named after the Italian anatomist Luigi Rolando, this vein serves as a crucial anatomical landmark in neurosurgery, guiding surgeons to approach critical brain structures with minimal damage. This article explores the anatomy and clinical significance of the vein of Rolando, emphasizing its role in neurosurgery and neuroimaging. Advanced imaging techniques such as functional MRI (fMRI), Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV), and CT Angiography have enhanced the ability to diagnose and preserve this vein, reducing surgical risks. The article also discusses the interconnectedness of the vein of Rolando with other cerebral veins like the vein of Trolard and underscores the importance of understanding venous variations and drainage patterns for successful surgical outcomes. Preventive measures to protect the vein during neurosurgery are essential to prevent complications such as venous congestion and intracranial pressure. This overview highlights the necessity for precise anatomical knowledge and advanced diagnostic tools in optimizing neurosurgical procedures and patient care.

Cerebrofacial Venous Metameric Syndrome Mimicking Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformation.

Cerebrofacial venous metameric syndrome (CVMS) is a complex low-flow vascular malformation affecting bone and soft tissues including brain, dura mater, and eye. We show images of CVMS in an 18-month-old boy presenting facial venous malformations, developmental venous anomalies, dural sinus malformations, and dilated great cerebral vein, suggesting a vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation. Although Sturge-Weber syndrome is the most known form of CVMS, its presentations are variable and include several venous malformations. Recognizing the various manifestations of CVMS is necessary for adequate screening, treatment, and follow-up.

Neonatal intracranial haemorrhage secondary to vein of Galen aneurysmal dilatation.

Paediatric neurovascular anomalies associated with the vein of Galen (VG) comprise of a spectrum of rare, complex, and life-threatening conditions. In this group, the "vein of Galen aneurysmal dilatation" (VGAD) is a distinct entity that often presents with progressive neurological symptoms in older children. Acute haemorrhage in VGAD is uncommon. We present an unusual presentation of VGAD in a neonate and discuss the challenges faced in the management.

Macroscopic and histological examination of human bridging veins.

In infantile abusive head injury (AHT), subdural haemorrhage (SDH) is commonly held to result from traumatic damage to bridging veins traversing from the surface of the brain to the dura and dural venous sinuses. However, there are limited published radiological or autopsy demonstrations of ruptured bridging veins and several authors also assert that bridging veins are too large to rupture due to the forces associated with AHT. There have been several studies on the size, locations and numbers of adult bridging veins and there is one small study of infant bridging veins. However, there are no microscopic studies of infant bridging veins and only a select few ultrastructural investigations of adult bridging veins. Hitherto, it has been assumed that bridging veins from infants and younger children will display the same anatomical characteristics as those in adulthood. At 19 neonatal, infant and young child post-mortem examinations, we macroscopically examined and sampled bridging veins for microscopy. We compared the histology of those samples with bridging veins from an older child and two adults. We demonstrate that adult bridging veins are usually surrounded by supportive meningeal tissue that appears to be lacking or minimally present around the bridging veins of younger children. Neonatal, infant and young children's veins had a free 'bridging' section. Neonatal and infant bridging veins had smaller diameter ranges and thinner walls (some only 5-7 µm) than those seen in older children and adults. Bridging vein walls contained both fine strands of elastic fibers and a more pronounced elastic lamina. The presence of an elastic lamina occurred more frequently in the older age groups These anatomical differences between the veins of adults and young children may help to explain apparent increased vulnerability of neonatal/infant bridging veins to the forces associated with a shaking-type traumatic event.