Double falx cerebelli, single occipital sinus and an unusually large meningeal artery in the posterior cranial fossa: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Abnormalities of the dural folds are very rare. Knowledge about the abnormalities of dural folds is important for neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists as these folds might result in bleeding during the suboccipital approach to the brain and also in misinterpretations during the imaging of the posterior cranial fossa. We report the duplication of falx cerebelli and presence of a large meningeal artery in the posterior cranial fossa. Case Report: During the routine brain removal dissection for the undergraduate medical students, the following variations were noted in the posterior cranial fossa of an adult male cadaver aged approximately 70 years. The right and left falces were of equal length (35 mm). The gap between the two falces was broadest anteriorly and measured 15 mm, whereas the narrowest part of the gap was in the middle and measured 10 mm. The occipital sinus was plexiform and was situated in the midline between the two falces. It terminated by opening into the left sigmoid sinus. Meningeal branch of the right occipital artery was unusually large and it entered the posterior cranial fossa through the right jugular foramen. After a course of about 4 cm in the posterior cranial fossa it divided into the right and left branches. It was accompanied by two venae comitantes. Conclusion: The knowledge of the variations observed in the current case may be of use in radiological and neurosurgical procedures.