Medical Student Tulane University New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Introduction: Few studies have examined the basilar venous plexus and to our knowledge, no previous study has described the intraluminal trabeculae within this plexus.
Methods: In ten adult cadavers, the basilar venous plexus was dissected following a craniotomy and brain removal to evaluate the cavernous sinus. The anatomical and histological evaluation of the intraluminal trabeculae were evaluated. Following dissection, the length and width of the trabeculae were measured and the orientation of these septations was documented. Once all gross measurements were made, the clivus and overlying basilar venous plexus were harvested and submitted for histological analysis.
Results: A basilar venous plexus was identified in all specimens and intraluminal trabeculae were identified. The mean number of trabeculae per plexus was 5. These were most concentrated in the upper half of the clivus and were more often centrally located. These septations traveled mostly in a posterior to the anterior direction and usually, from inferiorly to superiorly however some travel horizontally. In a few specimens, the trabeculae had wider bases, especially on the posterior attachment to the meningeal layer of dura mater. More commonly, the trabeculae ended in a denticulate form at their two terminal ends. The trabeculae varied in size but on average were 0.85millimeters (mm) in length. The mean width of the trabeculae was 0.35 mm. Grossly and histologically, these septations were consistent with the cords of Willis as are found in the lumen of some of the other intradural venous sinuses e.g., superior sagittal sinus. Histologically, these were consistent with meningeal tissue and connected two opposing endothelial surfaces of the basilar venous plexus.
Conclusion : An understanding of the internal anatomy of the basilar venous plexus can aid in understanding of venous pathology in and around the cavernous sinus. Furthermore, this knowledge will benefit patients undergoing interventional treatments that involve the basilar venous plexus.
