Sinus pericranii

Sinus pericranii is a rare anatomical variant of the dural venous sinuses. It is an abnormal connection between the intracranial dural sinuses and the extracranial venous system. This condition is usually diagnosed incidentally and is often asymptomatic. However, it can present with a variety of symptoms, including a fluctuating scalp swelling, headache, seizure, and neurological deficits.

Anatomy

The dural venous sinuses are channels found between layers of dura mater in the brain. They receive blood from the cerebral veins, carry it away from the brain, and ultimately drain it into the internal jugular vein. Sinus pericranii is an abnormal connection between these sinuses and the veins outside the skull.

Clinical Presentation

Sinus pericranii is often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other conditions. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include:

• Fluctuating scalp swelling: This is the most common symptom. The swelling may increase with straining or bending over and decrease when lying down.
• Headache: This can occur due to increased pressure in the venous system.
• Seizure: This is a less common symptom and may be related to increased pressure on the brain.
• Neurological deficits: These can occur if the sinus pericranii compresses nearby brain tissue.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of sinus pericranii is usually made with imaging studies. These can include:

• Computed tomography (CT): This can show the connection between the intracranial and extracranial venous systems.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This can provide more detailed images of the brain and venous system.
• Angiography: This can show the blood flow through the abnormal connection.

Treatment

The treatment of sinus pericranii depends on the symptoms and the risk of complications. If the condition is asymptomatic and there is no risk of complications, no treatment may be necessary. If symptoms are present or there is a risk of complications, treatment options can include:

• Surgery: This can involve disconnecting the abnormal connection.
• Embolization: This is a minimally invasive procedure that can block the abnormal connection.

See Also

• Dural venous sinuses
• Cerebral veins
• Internal jugular vein
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Angiography

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