Anat Cell Biol.  2020 Dec;53(4):379-384. 10.5115/acb.20.199.

Direct drainage of the basal vein of Rosenthal into the superior petrosal sinus: a literature review

• Gutierrez S
• Iwanaga J
• Dumont AS
• Tubbs RS

• KMID: 2509681
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.20.199

Abstract

An adult male was found to have a variation of the left basal vein of Rosenthal after presenting with complaints of headache and balance issues. In this case, the vein drained directly into the left superior petrosal sinus (SPS) instead of the great vein of Galen. Anatomical variation of the basal vein is likely due to embryonic development of the deep cerebral venous system as primitive structures either differentiate regress or further with age. These changes may result in the uncommon presentation seen in this case. To our knowledge, this is the first case that shows the basal vein drains into the SPS. The normal and variant anatomy of this vessel are discussed.

Keyword

Basal vein of Rosenthal; Basal vein; Superior petrosal sinus; Tentorial sinus

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Lateral view of the cranium noting the course of the basal vein in the ambient cistern.

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  Fig. 2 Superficial venous system of the brain.

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  Fig. 3 Deep (galenic) venous system of the brain.

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  Fig. 4 Axial CTA windowed to illustrate the basal vein (white arrowheads) draining posteriorly into the SPS (black arrow) (Courtesy of Dr. Joel Curé). CTA, computed tomography angiography; SPS, superior petrosal sinus.

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  Fig. 5 Axial CTA windowed to illustrate the basal vein (white arrowheads) draining posteriorly into the superior petrosal sinus (SPS) (white arrow) (Courtesy of Dr. Joel Curé). CTA, computed tomography angiography; SPS, superior petrosal sinus.

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  Fig. 6 Early embryological development of the veins of the brain noting the anterior, middle and posterior plexuses.

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  Fig. 7 Later embryological development of the veins of the brain noting the tentorial plexus.

Reference

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