Back to Search Start Over

The Basal or Sphenopetrosal Superficial Middle Cerebral Vein Type

Authors :
Adelina Maria Jianu
Monica Adriana Vaida
Mugurel Constantin Rusu
Alexandra Diana Vrapciu
Source :
Medicina, Vol 60, Iss 2, p 209 (2024)
Publication Year :
2024
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2024.

Abstract

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.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16489144 and 1010660X
Volume :
60
Issue :
2
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Medicina
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.fa62a1feba634147b2771a1431a0911a
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60020209