The superior petrosal sinus: a review of anatomy, embryology, pathology, and neurosurgical relevance.

The superior petrosal sinus is located between the middle and posterior cranial fossae and is important during many neurosurgical approaches to the skull base. Using standard search engines, the anatomical and clinical importance of the superior petrosal sinus was investigated. The superior petrosal sinus is important in many neurosurgical approaches and pathological entities. Therefore, it is important for those who operate at the skull base or interpret imaging here to have a good working knowledge of its anatomy, development, and pathological involvement.

The inferior petrosal sinus: a comprehensive review with emphasis on clinical implications.

INTRODUCTION: The inferior petrosal sinus is an important component of the cerebral venous system with implications in diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases such as Cushing's disease, carotid cavernous, and dural arteriovenous fistulas. METHODS: This manuscript will review the anatomy, embryology, and clinical implications of the inferior petrosal sinus. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the inferior petrosal sinus is of great importance for open surgical approaches to the skull base and endovascular access to the cavernous sinus and sellar region.

The relationship between the superior petrosal sinus and the porus trigeminus: an anatomical study.

OBJECT: During intracranial approaches to the skull base, vascular relationships are important. One relationship that has received scant attention in the literature is that between the superior petrosal sinus (SPS) and the opening of the Meckel cave (that is, the porus trigeminus). METHODS: Cadaver dissections were performed in 25 latex-injected adult cadaveric heads (50 sides). Specifically, the relationship between the SPS and the opening of the Meckel cave was observed. The goal was to enhance knowledge of the relationship between the SPS and the opening of the Meckel cave. RESULTS: Of the 50 sides, 68%, 18%, and 16% of SPSs traveled superior to, inferior to, and around the opening to the Meckel cave, respectively. In the latter cases, a venous ring was formed around the proximal trigeminal nerve. No sinus entered the Meckel cave. In general, the porus trigeminus was narrowed on sides found to have an SPS that encircled this region. Sinuses that traveled only inferior to the porus were in general smaller than sinuses that traveled superior or encircled this opening. No statistically significant differences were noted between the various sinus relationships and sex, age, or side of the head. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the relationship between the SPS and the opening of the Meckel cave may be useful to the skull base surgeon. Based on this study, some individuals may retain the early embryonic position of their SPS in relation to the trigeminal nerve.

Cavum velum interpositum, cavum septum pellucidum, and cavum vergae: a review.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior midline intracranial cysts may be found most often in three forms: cavum septum pellucidum, cavum vergae, and cavum velum interpositum. A single offering that reviews these entities is difficult to find in the extant literature. Therefore, the present review was performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Various search engines and germane texts were reviewed for the terms cavum septum pellucidum, cavum vergae, and cavum velum interpositum. RESULTS: We report the findings of our search of the literature regarding these midline cystic structures. CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of the associated anatomy, embryology, and pathology of these cysts will assist the clinician who treats such patients.