Anatomical Variations of the Superior Sagittal, Transverse and Sigmoid Dural Venous Sinuses in the Cerebral MRV Images of Adult Bangladeshis

Abstract

Background: The understanding of the dural venous sinus anatomy and normal anatomical variations is fundamental for appropriate diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus pathology and also for surgical planning and treatment of neurological diseases. Cerebral MRV (Magnetic Resonance Venography) is an exclusive imaging technique for appropriate identification of the normal anatomical variations as well as pathology of the dural venous sinuses. Most of the variations have been detected in the superior sagittal, transverse and sigmoid venous sinuses. Objectives: To identify and determine the frequencies of some selected anatomical variations- symmetry, hypoplasia and aplasia (as applicable) of the superior sagittal, transverse and sigmoid dural venous sinuses in the cerebral MRV images of adult Bangladeshis. Methods: The research was observational in nature, carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in collaboration with the Department of Neuroradiology & Imaging, National Institute of Neuroscience and Hospital (NINS), Dhaka, from March 2020 to June 2021. A total of 70 adults (35 males and 35 females) Bangladeshi participants were included in this research. The MRV scans were produced by using 3 Tesla magnetic field strength following the routine standard protocols of the institution. By using the Radiant DICOM Viewer software, the MRV images were evaluated by the researcher and the co-investigator independently to identify the selected anatomical variations of the dural venous sinuses. Results: Bilateral symmetrical transverse and sigmoid sinus was found in 38% and 47% of total participants respectively. Among the variations of the transverse sinuses, the left sided hypoplastic transverse sinus was found in 17.1% participants whereas the right sided hypoplasia was found only in 2.9% participants. Regarding sigmoid sinus, hypoplasia and aplasia were found only on the left side respectively in 7.1% and 1.14% participants. ...