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The petrosquamosal sinus in humans.
Diego San Millán Ruíz1, Philippe Gailloud, Hasan Yilmaz
1Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology and Medical Informatics, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland. diego.sanmillan@hcuge.ch
Journal of Anatomy
|November 23, 2006
Summary
The human petrosquamosal sinus (PSS) is a common finding in adults, not rare. This venous pathway may play a role in brain fluid drainage and conditions like intracranial venous hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Radiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The petrosquamosal sinus (PSS) is a venous channel within the skull.
- Awareness of the PSS has increased due to advancements in medical imaging.
- Its anatomical and clinical significance is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the morphology of the human petrosquamosal sinus (PSS).
- To investigate the prevalence and anatomical variations of the PSS.
- To discuss the PSS's role in cerebral venous drainage and potential pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 13 human cranial venous system corrosion casts.
- Review of routine clinical imaging studies in two patients.
Main Results:
- The petrosquamosal sinus (PSS) is a frequent anatomical finding in adult humans.
- Detailed morphological descriptions of the PSS were established from the corrosion casts.
- Clinical imaging confirms the PSS's presence and highlights its increasing recognition by radiologists.
Conclusions:
- The petrosquamosal sinus (PSS) is not a rare anatomical variant in adults.
- The PSS serves as a significant pathway for cerebral venous drainage.
- Understanding the PSS is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions like intracranial venous hypertension.
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