The Cerebral Venous System: New Pathophysiological Theories and Diseases Related to Veins Occlusion

Abstract

Cerebral physiology and pathology are still frequently missing a comprehensive explanation and a complete description, but new data and hypothesis are emerging on a daily basis. Particularly, comprehension of the cerebral venous system’s functions and functioning has undergone through the last decades a deep and extended change. Depiction of the perivascular spaces and the mechanisms of glymphatic system has given light about venous system pivotal role in the genesis of different pathologies such as multiple sclerosis, hydrocephalus, cerebral hemorrhages, and strokes. After a key point discussion about embryology, physiology, and anatomy of the cerebral venous system, an overview is provided on the main pathologies, both well-known and newly described ones, in which cerebral veins act a major pathogenic role.