Sinus pericranii
Sinus pericranii is a cranial venous anomaly in which there is an abnormal communication between intracranial dural sinuses and extracranial venous structures, usually via an emissary transosseous vein.
It is considered a type of low flow vascular malformation. It occurs in close communication with the cranial vault and most frequently involves the superior sagittal sinus.
Clinical presentation
When suspected on radiological basis, a simple clinical test can be performed. Unless thrombosed, the sinus pericranii will appear more prominent on supine position than when sitting, because of variable venous pressure with gravity. The lesions are not classically associated with discoloration of the overlying skin.
Pathology
They are comprised of non-muscular venous blood vessels which tightly adhere to the outer calvaria and directly communicate with an intracranial venous sinus through diploicveins .
Associations
Radiographic features
Ultrasound
Color Doppler may show communication with superficial veins and dural venous sinuses .
CT
- non contrast
- slightly increased attenuation compared with brain parenchyma
- may show an associated cranial vault defect
- post contrast
- unless thrombosed, the abnormal communication between dural sinuses and the cranial vault will tend to enhance to the same degree as cerebral venous structures
MRI
Signal may vary due to slow flow . An abnormal communication between dural sinuses and the cranial vault is usually seen.
Differential diagnosis
Consider:
Siehe auch:
- Foramina parietalia permagna
- Ausdünnung der Kalotte
- venöse Malformationen
- Venae diploicae
- persistierender Sinus falcinus
- cranial venous anomaly