Morphological variations of the dural venous sinuses: a cadaveric study

The dural venous sinuses are essential for cerebral venous drainage and exhibit notable anatomical variability, particularly at the confluence of sinuses (CS). Such variations may mimic pathological conditions, affect radiological interpretation, and influence surgical planning. This study aimed to evaluate anatomical variations of the dural venous sinuses, with emphasis on features relevant to the diagnosis of venous pathologies.

An anatomical study was conducted on 15 adult cadaver brains (five female, 10 male; mean age 70 years). Following routine scalp and calvarial dissection, dural venous sinuses in the region of the CS were carefully exposed and preserved. The presence, drainage patterns, relative positions, and widths of the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), transverse sinuses (TS), straight sinus (StS), occipital sinus (OS), and CS were documented. Measurements were obtained using a digital caliper and averaged from repeated assessments.

Marked variability was observed in the anatomy of the dural venous sinuses. The CS was absent in 20% of cases. Asymmetry, hypoplasia, or absence of individual sinuses-including the OS, TS, or StS-was frequently encountered. Multiple drainage patterns of the SSS and StS, dural folds replacing the CS, and accessory sinuses were identified. Mean sinus widths were 6.73 ± 2.34 mm for the SSS, 5.71 ± 2.45 mm for the left TS, and 5.33 ± 2.05 mm for the right TS.

Awareness of dural venous sinus variations is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis of venous pathology and optimize radiological assessment and surgical planning in posterior cranial fossa and cerebrovascular procedures.