Anatomy of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus: A systematic review of the literature.

Abstract

The existence, composition, and continuity of the medial wall of the cavernous sinus (MWCS) have been extensively studied and debated. However, the precise nature of this membrane remains unknown. Understanding the anatomical characteristics of the MWCS is crucial, notably in relation to pituitary adenomas, which often invade the cavernous sinus. Indeed, surgical treatment of those tumors is frequently incomplete because of such invasion. The anatomical and molecular basis of the peculiar and often lateralized tropism of adenomatous cells to the cavernous sinus is not yet understood and it has been suggested repeatedly that the MWCS is physiologically frail. During the past three decades, there have been several conflicting accounts of the existence, composition, and continuity of this medial wall, but methodological differences and varying definitions could have contributed to the current lack of consensus regarding it. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize previously published data concerning the existence, anatomy, composition, and continuity of the MWCS.