Morphometric evaluation of superficial anastomatic veins of the brain using venous MR angiography

This study aimed to perform a morphometric analysis of the main superficial anastomotic veins of the brain the vein of Trolard (VT), vein of Labbé (VL), and superficial Sylvian vein (SSV) using magnetic resonance venography (MRV), and to compare the findings with the literature to assess clinical and surgical implications.

MRV scans of 154 individuals (105 females, 49 males; mean age: 42.12 ± 16.39 years) obtained between 2020 and 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The presence, length, midpoint diameter, course, drainage pattern, dominance, and interconnections of the VT, VL, and SSV were evaluated bilaterally. Statistical analyses included chi-square, independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U, Pearson correlation, and Holm-Bonferroni correction.

VT was the most prevalent vein, observed in 88.3% of right and 76.6% of left hemispheres, most often located in the postcentral region. VL was present in 74.0% (right) and 66.9% (left), draining mainly into the transverse sinus. SSV was identified in 74.3% (right) and 63.6% (left). Significant associations were found between right VL and SSV (p = 0.0003) and between left VT and right SSV (p = 0.0385, not significant after correction). VT predominated in the right hemisphere and VL in the left. No correlation was found between age and morphometric parameters.

Superficial cerebral veins exhibit marked anatomical variability. Understanding their course and drainage is essential for neurosurgical planning, particularly in lateral and trans-Sylvian approaches. This study provides updated morphometric data to help minimize venous injury and support future anatomical and surgical research.