[Anatomy of the Cavernous Sinus].

Abstract

The cavernous sinus is the crossroad of veins from various embryological origins, including the brain, eye, pituitary gland, dura, and cranium. Embryologically, the cavernous sinus is mainly formed from the pro-otic sinus; secondary anastomosis between the cavernous sinus and primitive tentorial sinus results in various anatomical variations in the drainage patterns of the superficial middle cerebral vein. Moreover, connections between the cavernous sinus and basal vein via the uncal vein, bridging vein, and petrosal vein from the superior petrosal sinus may exist. Retrograde drainage from the cavernous sinus into the cerebral veins is often observed in arteriovenous shunts involving the cavernous sinus, such as dural and carotid-cavernous fistulas, which are primarily treated using transvenous embolization. Understanding the anatomy of the cavernous sinus and its associated veins is essential for safe and reliable endovascular treatment.