Radioanatomy of the laterosellar veins. Value of dynamic computerized tomography

Abstract

Dynamic computerized tomography is a simple and rapid technique which can provide an accurate mapping of the vascular elements of the cavernous sinus. It is not very different from the technique used to visualize the capillary bed of the pituitary gland and its progressive contrast enhancement. From a series of 780 dynamic CT explorations, we were able to individualize 5 groups of veins: (1) the veins of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus; (2) the veins of the infero-lateral group, located beneath the intracavernous segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA); (3) the vein of the carotid sulcus, located between the intracavernous ICA and the carotid sulcus; (4) the medial vein, situated between the intracavernous ICA and the pituitary gland, and (5) the pericarotid plexus. In some cases the anterior and inferior coronary sinuses and the basilar sinus can be visualized.