In vivo mapping of hippocampal venous vasculature and oxygenation using susceptibility imaging at 7T.

Mapping the small venous vasculature of the hippocampus in vivo is crucial for understanding how functional changes of hippocampus evolve with age. Oxygen utilization in the hippocampus could serve as a sensitive biomarker for early degenerative changes, surpassing hippocampal tissue atrophy as the main source of information regarding tissue degeneration. Using an ultrahigh field (7T) susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) sequence, it is possible to capture oxygen-level dependent contrast of submillimeter-sized vessels. Moreover, the quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) results derived from SWI data allow for the simultaneous estimation of venous oxygenation levels, thereby enhancing the understanding of hippocampal function. In this study, we proposed two potential imaging markers in a cohort of 19 healthy volunteers aged between 20 and 74 years. These markers were: 1) hippocampal venous density on SWI images and 2) venous susceptibility (Δχvein) in the hippocampus-associated draining veins (the inferior ventricular veins (IVV) and the basal veins of Rosenthal (BVR) using QSM images). They were chosen specifically to help characterize the oxygen utilization of the human hippocampus and medial temporal lobe (MTL). As part of the analysis, we demonstrated the feasibility of measuring hippocampal venous density and Δχvein in the IVV and BVR at 7T with high spatial resolution (0.25 × 0.25 × 1 mm3). Our results demonstrated the in vivo reconstruction of the hippocampal venous system, providing initial evidence regarding the presence of the venous arch structure within the hippocampus. Furthermore, we evaluated the age effect of the two quantitative estimates and observed a significant increase in Δχvein for the IVV with age (p=0.006, r2 = 0.369). This may suggest the potential application of Δχvein in IVV as a marker for assessing changes in atrophy-related hippocampal oxygen utilization in normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as AD and dementia.

The Basal or Sphenopetrosal Superficial Middle Cerebral Vein Type.

Background and Objectives: The adult superficial middle cerebral vein (SMCV) commonly drains into the middle cranial fossa. However, different embryonic types persist, in which the SMCV drains into the lateral sinus. The basal type of SMCV coursing on the middle fossa floor is a scarce variant. Materials and Methods: During a retrospective study of archived computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) files, three rare adult cases of the basal or sphenopetrosal type of SMCV were found and further documented. Results: In the first case, which was evaluated via CTA, the basal type of SMCV formed a sagittal loop. It continued on the middle fossa floor, over a dehiscent tegmen tympani, to drain into the lateral sinus. In the second case, documented via MRA, the basal type of SMCV's anterior loop was in the coronal plane and closely related to the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. It continued with the basal segment over a dehiscent glenoid fossa of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In the third case, documented via CTA, the initial cerebral part of the SMCV had a large fenestration. The middle fossa floor coursed within a well-configured sulcus of the SMCV and received a tributary through the tympanic roof. Its terminal had a tentorial course. Conclusions: Beyond the fact that such rare variants of the SMCV can unexpectedly interfere with specific approaches via the middle fossa, dehiscences of the middle fossa floor beneath such variants can determine otic or TMJ symptoms. Possible loops and fenestrations of the SMCV should be considered and documented preoperatively.

Use of greyscale and Doppler ultrasound in initial evaluation and follow-up of neurovascular malformations in children.

Pediatric intracranial arteriovenous shunts are rare vascular malformations that can be diagnosed prenatally or postnatally, as an incidental finding or due to complications. We propose a review of cerebral vascular malformations in newborns and infants with special emphasis on neurosonography and Doppler ultrasound as the first diagnostic method. Sonography can thus contribute in the planning of further studies that are always necessary, and in post-therapy follow-up.

[Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia Due to Venous Compression].

In microvascular decompression surgery for trigeminal neuralgia, the veins are essential as an anatomical frame for the microsurgical approach and as an offending vessel to compress the trigeminal nerve. Thorough arachnoid dissection of the superior petrosal vein and its tributaries provides surgical corridors to the trigeminal nerve root and enables the mobilization of the bridging, brainstem, and deep cerebellar veins. It is necessary to protect the trigeminal nerve by coagulating and cutting the offending vein. We reviewed the clinical features of trigeminal neuralgia caused by venous decompression and its outcomes after microvascular decompression. Among patients with trigeminal neuralgia, 4%-14% have sole venous compression. Atypical or type 2 trigeminal neuralgia may occur in 60%-80% of cases of sole venous compression. Three-dimensional MR cisternography and CT venography can help in detecting the offending vein. The transverse pontine vein is the common offending vein. The surgical cure and recurrence rates of trigeminal neuralgia with venous compression are 64%-75% and 23%, respectively. Sole venous compression is a unique form of trigeminal neuralgia. Its clinical characteristics differ from those of trigeminal neuralgia caused by arterial compression. Surgical procedures to resolve venous compression include nuances in safely handling venous structures.

Neuroimaging of Neonatal Stroke: Venous Focus.

Perinatal venous infarcts are underrecognized clinically and at imaging. Neonates may be susceptible to venous infarcts because of hypercoagulable state, compressibility of the dural sinuses and superficial veins due to patent sutures, immature cerebral venous drainage pathways, and drastic physiologic changes of the brain circulation in the perinatal period. About 43% of cases of pediatric cerebral sinovenous thrombosis occur in the neonatal period. Venous infarcts can be recognized by ischemia or hemorrhage that does not respect an arterial territory. Knowledge of venous drainage pathways and territories can help radiologists recognize characteristic venous infarct patterns. Intraventricular hemorrhage in a term neonate with thalamocaudate hemorrhage should raise concern for internal cerebral vein thrombosis. A striato-hippocampal pattern of hemorrhage indicates basal vein of Rosenthal thrombosis. Choroid plexus hemorrhage may be due to obstruction of choroidal veins that drain the internal cerebral vein or basal vein of Rosenthal. Fan-shaped deep medullary venous congestion or thrombosis is due to impaired venous drainage into the subependymal veins, most commonly caused by germinal matrix hemorrhage in the premature infant and impeded flow in the deep venous system in the term infant. Subpial hemorrhage, an underrecognized hemorrhage stroke type, is often observed in the superficial temporal region, and its cause is probably multifactorial. The treatment of cerebral sinovenous thrombosis is anticoagulation, which should be considered even in the presence of intracranial hemorrhage. ©RSNA, 2024 Test Your Knowledge questions in the supplemental material and the slide presentation from the RSNA Annual Meeting are available for this article.

Bridging veins at the craniocervical junction: from anatomy to clinical significance in dural arteriovenous shunts.

PURPOSE: Bridging veins (BVs) serve as a route of pial venous reflux, and its anatomy is essential to understand the pathophysiology of dural arteriovenous shunts (dAVSs) around the craniocervical junction (CCJ) (from the jugular foramen level to the atlantal level). However, the anatomical variations of the BVs and their proximal connections remained poorly elucidated. This study aimed to radiologically investigate the anatomy of the bridging veins around CCJ and discuss the clinical significance of these BVs in the dAVS. METHODS: We investigated normal venous anatomy of the BVs from the jugular foramen level to the atlantal level using preoperative computed tomography digital subtraction venography in patients undergoing elective neurosurgery. BVs affected by the dAVSs in the same region were also evaluated. The three types of dAVS, craniocervical junction, anterior condylar, and proximal sigmoid sinus, were investigated. RESULTS: We identified six BV groups: superolateral, anterolateral, lateral, posterior, inferolateral, and inferoposterior. The superolateral and inferolateral groups, connected with the proximal sigmoid sinus and suboccipital cavernous sinus, respectively, were the largest groups. Each group has a specific downstream venous connection. The association with dVASs was observed only in the inferolateral group, which was typically the sole venous drainage in most dAVSs at the CCJ. CONCLUSION: We reported detailed anatomy of BVs from the jugular level to the atlantal level, which enhanced our understanding of the pathophysiology of dAVSs in the corresponding region.

The Effects of Free Breathing on Cerebral Venous Flow: A Real-Time Phase Contrast MRI Study in Healthy Adults.

Quantifying the effects of free breathing on cerebral venous flow is crucial for understanding cerebral circulation mechanisms and clinical applications. Unlike conventional cine phase-contrast MRI sequences (CINE-PC), real-time phase-contrast MRI sequences (RT-PC) can provide a continuous beat-to-beat flow signal that makes it possible to quantify the effect of breathing on cerebral venous flow. In this study, we examined 28 healthy human participants, comprising of 14 males and 14 females. Blood flows in the right/left internal jugular veins in the extracranial plane and the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and straight sinus in the intercranial plane were quantified using CINE-PC and RT-PC. The first objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of RT-PC in quantifying cerebral venous flow, relative to CINE-PC. The second, and main objective, was to quantify the effect of free breathing on cerebral venous flow, using a time-domain multiparameter analysis method. Our results showed that RT-PC can accurately quantify cerebral venous flow with a 2 × 2 mm2 spatial resolution and 75 ms/image time resolution. The mean flow rate, amplitude, stroke volume, and cardiac period of cerebral veins were significantly higher from the mid-end phase of expiration to the mid-end phase of inspiration. Breathing affected the mean flow rates in the jugular veins more than those in the SSS and straight sinus. Furthermore, the effects of free breathing on the flow rate of the left and right jugular veins were not synchronous. These new findings provide a useful reference for better understanding the mechanisms of cerebral circulation.

Contribution of Deep Cerebral Venous Anomaly to the Emergence of Nonaneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage as Opposed to Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The exact reason of nonaneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is an enigma. The aim of this study is to identify if type III deep cerebral venous drainage is exclusively prevalent in patients with nonaneurysmal SAH and to enumerate the predictors of poorer outcome in these patients. METHODS: All patients of age >18 years, presented at our centre with spontaneous SAH on noncontrast computed tomography head and were divided into 2 groups, aneurysmal and nonaneurysmal SAH after 4-vessel DSA. Based on the deep venous drainage pattern on both sides, basal venous drainage was found and classified into 3 types: type I, type II, and type III. The 3 groups were pitted against one another. Regression analysis were performed to predict the occurrence of nonaneurysmal-SAH with different types of basal vein. RESULTS: There were 100 nonaneurysmal SAH cases and 103 aneurysmal SAH cases. The mean age of presentation was 47.8 ± 13.55 years with slight male predominance (52%). The patients with type III venous drainage have 2 times more risk of developing nonaneurysmal SAH (95% confidence interval = 1.21-4.31) as compared to those with aneurysmal SAH. On multivariate analysis, type III basal venous drainage, worse Hunt and Hess grade at presentation, extensive bleeding were predictors of an adverse outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of type III venous distribution is associated with a 2-fold increase in the probability of having nonaneurysmal SAH, as well as a 3-fold increase in the risk of developing poorer neurological sequelae.

Detailed Anatomy of Bridging Veins Around the Foramen Magnum: a Multicenter Study Using Three-dimensional Angiography.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There has been limited literature regarding the bridging veins (BVs) of the medulla oblongata around the foramen magnum (FM). The present study aims to analyze the normal angioarchitecture of the BVs around the FM using slab MIP images of three-dimensional (3D) angiography. METHODS: We collected 3D angiography data of posterior fossa veins and analyzed the BVs around the FM using slab MIP images. We analyzed the course, outlet, and number of BVs around the FM. We also examined the detection rate and mean diameter of each BV. RESULTS: Of 57 patients, 55 patients (96%) had any BV. The median number of BVs was two (range: 0-5). The BVs originate from the perimedullary veins and run anterolaterally to join the anterior condylar vein (ACV), inferior petrosal sinus, sigmoid sinus, or jugular bulb, inferolaterally to join the suboccipital cavernous sinus (SCS), laterally or posterolaterally to join the marginal sinus (MS), and posteriorly to join the MS or occipital sinus. We classified BVs into five subtypes according to the draining location: ACV, jugular foramen (JF), MS, SCS, and cerebellomedullary cistern (CMC). ACV, JF, MS, SCS, and CMC BVs were detected in 11 (19%), 18 (32%), 32 (56%), 20 (35%), and 16 (28%) patients, respectively. The mean diameter of the BVs other than CMC was 0.6 mm, and that of CMC BV was 0.8 mm. CONCLUSION: Using venous data from 3D angiography, we detected FM BVs in most cases, and the BVs were connected in various directions.

Early neurological deterioration in patients with acute ischemic stroke is linked to unfavorable cerebral venous outflow.

INTRODUCTION: Early neurological deterioration (END) is associated with poor outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO). Causes of END after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) include unsuccessful recanalization and reperfusion hemorrhages. However, little is known about END excluding the aforementioned causes. We aimed to investigate factors associated with unexplained END (ENDunexplained) with regard to the cerebral collateral status. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study of AIS-LVO patients with successful MT (mTICI 2b-3). On admission CT angiography (CTA), pial arterial collaterals and venous outflow (VO) were assessed using the modified Tan-Scale and the Cortical Vein Opacification Score (COVES), respectively. ENDunexplained was defined as an increase in NIHSS score of ⩾ 4 within the first 24 hours after MT without parenchymal hemorrhage on follow-up imaging. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine factors of ENDunexplained and unfavorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 3-6). RESULTS: A total of 620 patients met the inclusion criteria. ENDunexplained occurred in 10% of patients. While there was no significant difference in pial arterial collaterals, patients with ENDunexplained exhibited more often unfavorable VO (81% vs. 53%; P < 0.001). Unfavorable VO (aOR [95% CI]; 2.56 [1.02-6.40]; P = 0.045) was an independent predictor of ENDunexplained. ENDunexplained was independently associated with unfavorable functional outcomes at 90 days (aOR [95% CI]; 6.25 [2.06-18.94]; P = 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Unfavorable VO on admission CTA was associated with ENDunexplained. ENDunexplained was independently linked to unfavorable functional outcomes at 90 days. Identifying AIS-LVO patients at risk of ENDunexplained may help to select patients for intensified monitoring and guide to optimal treatment regimes.

An isolated Sinus Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistula with Unusual Drainage Pattern.

Isolated sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) involve a dural sinus with occlusion on both sides of the diseased sinus segment. Because of venous drainage refluxing from the isolated sinus into the cortical veins, all isolated sinus DAVFs are Borden type III or Cognard type Ⅲ/Ⅳ. Venous drainage typically involves temporo-occipital cortical veins or the superior petrosal sinus and tributaries of the petrosal vein. However, drainage veins involving the perimedullary venous system are extremely rare. Here, we present a case of Cognard type V isolated sinus DAVF successfully treated with balloon catheter and Onyx.

An Illustrative Review of the Pathomechanisms of Symptomatic Developmental Venous Anomalies.

OBJECTIVE: Symptomatic developmental venous anomalies (DVAs) are rare. Here, we illustrate the varied clinicoradiologic profiles of symptomatic DVAs and contemplate the mechanisms that render these (allegedly) benign entities symptomatic supported by a review of literature. METHODS: Institutional databases were searched to identify cases of symptomatic DVAs. Clinical and imaging (angiographic and cross-sectional) data of 9 cases with 11 neurovascular symptoms consequent to inflow/outflow perturbations and mechanical obstruction that manifested because of the strategic topography of underlying DVAs were analyzed. A review of the existing literature on DVAs in agreement with our case series was performed on publications retrieved from the PubMed database. RESULTS: Symptoms secondary to venous hypertension arising from flow-related perturbations were broadly divided into those arising from restricted outflow and increased inflow. Restricted outflow occurred because of collector vein stenosis (n = 2) and collector vein/DVA thrombosis (n = 3), whereas the latter pathomechanism was initiated by arterialized/transitional DVAs (n = 2). A mechanical/obstructive pathomechanism culminating in moderate supratentorial ventriculomegaly was noted in 1 case. One patient was given a diagnosis of hemorrhage associated with a cavernoma. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness and contextualization of potential flow-related perturbations and mechanical insults that render DVAs symptomatic aid in accurate diagnosis, management, and prognostication.

Ring-shaped Dandy's superior petrosal vein.

BACKGROUND: Dandy's superior petrosal vein (SPV) anatomy is highly relevant for neurosurgeons. The SPV drains into the superior petrosal sinus (SPS), closely related to the trigeminal and internal auditory pores. METHOD: The archived enhanced MRI files of a male patient were studied. RESULTS: An infratentorial ring-shaped (RS) SPV was found on the petrosal surface of the right cerebellar hemisphere. It was inserted in the SPS above the internal auditory pore, postero-lateral to the trigeminal pore. The anterior arm of that venous ring received a delicate supratrigeminal plexus of veins from the pontine surface and continued as a single venous trunk on the cerebellar surface. CONCLUSION: Such previously unreported RS-SPV is of utmost importance to be identified before subtemporal transtentorial and retrosigmoid approaches for different neurosurgical reasons.

Prominent cerebral veins on susceptibility-weighted angiography in acute meningoencephalitis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We have commonly observed prominent cerebral veins on susceptibility-weighted angiography (SWAN) in acute meningoencephalitis. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of these findings. METHODS: Cerebral veins on SWAN of 98 patients with acute meningoencephalitis diagnosed from February 2016 through October 2020 were classified into three groups according to the degree of venous prominence (mild, 23; moderate, 53; and prominent, 22). Clinical variables and laboratory findings were compared between these groups. The influence of variables on the prediction of prominent cerebral veins was measured by random forest (RF) and gradient boosting machine (GBM). RESULTS: As cerebral veins became more prominent, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose level decreased (69.61 ± 29.05 vs. 59.72 ± 22.57 vs. 48.36 ± 20.29 mg/dL, p = .01) and CSF protein level increased (100.73 ± 82.98 vs. 104.73 ± 70.99 vs. 159.12 ± 118.15 mg/dL, p = .03). The etiology of meningoencephalitis, neurological symptoms, and increased intracranial pressure (ICP) signs differed between groups (p < .05). RF and GBM demonstrated that CSF protein level was the variable with the highest power to predict the prominent cerebral vein (mean decrease in node impurity: 4.19, relative influence: 50.66). CONCLUSION: The presence of prominent cerebral veins on SWAN in acute meningoencephalitis was significantly associated with a low CSF glucose level and a high CSF protein level, as well as ICP. Thus, the visual grade of the cerebral veins on SWAN may be utilized for the management of patients with acute meningoencephalitis.

Evaluation of Venous Structures that Are Involved in Transsylvian Approach Using 3D Rotational Venography.

In the transsylvian (TS) approach, as characterized by clipping surgery, the presurgical visualization of the superficial middle cerebral vein (SMCV) can help change the surgical approach to ensure safe microsurgery. Nevertheless, identifying preoperatively the venous structures that are involved in this approach is difficult. In this study, we investigated the venous structures that are involved in the TS approach using three-dimensional (3D) rotational venography (3D-RV) and evaluated the effectiveness of this method for presurgical simulation. Patients who underwent 3D-RV between August 2018 and June 2020 were involved in this retrospective study. The 3D-RV and partial maximum intensity projection images with a thickness of 5 mm were computationally reconstructed. The venous structures were subdivided into the following three portions according to the anatomic location: superficial, intermediate, and basal portions. In the superficial portion, predominant frontosylvian veins were observed on 31 (41%) sides, predominant temporosylvian veins on seven (9%) sides, and equivalent fronto- and temporosylvian veins on 28 (37%) sides. The veins in the intermediate (deep middle cerebral and uncal veins) and basal portions (frontobasal bridging veins) emptied into the SMCV on 57 (75%) and 34 (45%) sides, respectively. The 3D-RV images were highly representative of the venous structures observed during microsurgery. In this study, 3D-RV was utilized to capture the details of the venous structures from the superficial to the deep portions. Presurgical simulation of the venous structures that are involved in the TS approach using 3D-RV may increase the safety of microsurgical approaches.

[Developmental cerebral thrombosed venous anomaly: findings in magnetic resonance imaging]. / Anomalía venosa del desarrollo cerebral trombosada: hallazgos en la resonancia magnética.

INTRODUCTION: Developmental venous anomalies are the most common cerebral vascular malformations. They are usually incidental and benign, although about 40% are associated with cavernous malformations, and so it is essential to look for other associated vascular or neurocutaneous anomalies. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 34-year-old pregnant woman who presented with seizures and dysarthria, and was submitted to an urgent cranial MRI scan. She showed the classic 'Medusa head' sign and was diagnosed with developmental venous anomaly with partial peripheral thrombosis and slow proximal flow. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombosis rarely occurs as a complication of developmental venous anomalies and case reports in the literature suggest that they should be managed conservatively, leaving surgery for other associated complications. As radiologists, we must be aware of the main imaging features so as to be able to make an accurate diagnosis.

TITLE: Anomalía venosa del desarrollo cerebral trombosada: hallazgos en la resonancia magnética.Introducción. Las anomalías venosas del desarrollo son las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales más comunes, suelen ser incidentales y benignas, aunque alrededor del 40% se asocian a malformaciones cavernosas, por lo que es esencial buscar otras anomalías vasculares o neurocutáneas asociadas. Caso clínico. Se presenta una mujer de 34 años embarazada que acude por convulsiones y disartria, a la cual se le realiza una resonancia magnética de cráneo urgente. En ella se aprecia el clásico signo de la 'cabeza de Medusa', y se concluye como diagnóstico anomalía venosa del desarrollo con trombosis parcial periférica y flujo lento proximal. Conclusiones. La complicación con trombosis de las anomalías venosas del desarrollo es rara y los informes de casos de la bibliografía sugieren que deben manejarse de forma conservadora, como una trombosis del seno venoso, dejando la cirugía para otras complicaciones asociadas. Como radiólogos, debemos conocer las principales características por imagen para elaborar un diagnóstico certero.

Preoperative assessment of the individual anatomy of the superior petrosal vein complex using balanced fast field echo magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Here, we sought to examine the validity and reproducibility of balanced fast field echo (bFFE) for assessing superior petrosal vein (SPV) complex (SPVC) anatomy. METHODS: Preoperative bFFE or equivalent scans and operative videos were studied and directly compared with regard to the individual anatomical features of SPVCs and their relation to the operative field. The anatomical details of the bFFE findings of the non-operated side (group 2) of all 50 patients were then reviewed, including the presence of petrosal-galenic anastomosis, and finally compared to the operated SPVCs (group 1). RESULTS: A complete correlation between bFFE and intraoperative findings was observed in 62% of cases and had a significant correlation with 3 Tesla magnet strength and higher pixel bandwidth (rbis = - 0.47; p = 0.005). The sensitivity and specificity of bFFE magnetic resonance imaging were 93.7 and 95.2%, respectively, for detecting an SPV disturbing the operative field, and 97.3% and 95% for a disturbing tributary, respectively. Each group had 50 SPVCs, with a total of 70 and 64 SPVs, 10 and 11 general SPVC configurations, as well as 29 and 28 different individual anatomical variations in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Both groups had 1-3 SPVs with a similar distribution of frequencies [Chi-square (4) = 27.56; p = 0.0145 (Fisher's exact test)]. The similarity of the general configurations was not statistically significant. The same four predominant configurations constituted 80% of the SPVCs in each group. The vein of the cerebellopontine fissure was most frequently found in 86% and 88% of cases, and a petrosal-galenic anastomosis was seen in 38% and 40% of groups 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Individual SPVC variations are extensive. Good quality bFFE or equivalents are feasible for preoperative SPVC assessments. However, methods improving vascular visualization are recommended.

Rational sacrifice of the superior petrosal vein.

During surgeries of the posterior cranial fossa, sacrificing the superior petrosal vein (SPV) can enhance visualization of the operative field but may also lead to postoperative venous infarction with potentially fatal consequences. We previously proposed that the safety of SPV sacrifice depends on whether there are collaterals that can take on the venous flow of the SPV after its sacrifice. Here, we propose several practical strategies that may be able to evaluate the presence of collaterals to the SPV, so that the safety of SPV sacrifice can be assessed.

Sphenoparietal Sinus Transposition: Operative Technique for Optimizing Pretemporal Posterior Circulation Access While Preserving the Sylvian Venous Complex.

BACKGROUND: Transsylvian approaches are a cornerstone of complex cranial operations, with wide applicability across cerebrovascular, skull base, and neuro-oncology operations. Deep lesions, especially those involving the basilar apex, midbrain, or interpeduncular fossa, require wide exposures that may be inhibited by the presence of a large complex of superficial sylvian veins (SSV) draining into the sphenoparietal sinus. This report describes technical and clinical aspects of the sphenoparietal sinus transposition (SPST) technique. METHODS: Technical case report of the SPST technique, including a step-by-step neuroanatomic description, overview of common indications, clinical pearls and pitfalls, and illustrative case examples. RESULTS: Once the benefits of proceeding with SPST have been established, the maneuver is initiated with 2 stepwise dural incisions: an incision from lateral to medial along the lateral margin of the lesser sphenoid wing, followed by an orthogonal cut across the temporal pole down the middle fossa floor. The pretemporal dura is peeled off the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus, allowing mobilization of the SSV complex and temporal pole posteriorly without disrupting or straining the connection point at the sphenoparietal sinus. Illustrative case examples include a clip reconstruction of a basilar apex aneurysm for which earlier endovascular treatment had failed and microsurgical resection of a peduncular cavernous malformation. CONCLUSIONS: SPST is a simple but versatile technique with important applications in complex cranial surgery. By mobilizing the SSV complex together with its dural attachment, the transsylvian corridor can be markedly widened, allowing access to the basilar apex region and ventral midbrain.