J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2023; 84(03): 266-271
DOI: 10.1055/a-1819-0144
Original Article

An Anatomic Assessment of the Intercavernous Sinuses and Review of the Literature

Jennifer Kosty
1   Department of Neurosurgery, LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States
,
Racheal Peterson
1   Department of Neurosurgery, LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States
,
Sumitra Miriyala
1   Department of Neurosurgery, LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States
,
Timothy Banks
1   Department of Neurosurgery, LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States
,
Sandeep Kandregula
1   Department of Neurosurgery, LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States
,
Rimal Dossani
1   Department of Neurosurgery, LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States
,
Bharat Guthikonda
1   Department of Neurosurgery, LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, United States
› Author Affiliations
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Abstract

Introduction As expanded endoscopic endonasal approaches are gaining popularity, a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the intercavernous sinuses is pertinent to avoid bleeding complications. There have been few studies reporting the presence and dimensions of the anterior intercavernous sinus (AIS), posterior intercavernous sinus (PIS), and inferior intercavernous sinus (IIS). We performed a cadaveric study to better understand these structures.

Methods Colored latex was injected into the arterial and venous trees of 17 cadaveric heads. Dissections assessed the presence and dimensions of the AIS, PIS, and IIS. In an additional three specimens, the sellar contents were subjected to histological analysis.

Results Of the 20 total specimens, 13 (65%) demonstrated the gross presence of all three sinuses. In six specimens (30%), only the AIS and PIS could be identified, and in one specimen, only an AIS and IIS were identified. An AIS was identified in all 20 (100%) specimens, PIS in 18 (88%), and an IIS in 14 (70%). In two specimens (10%), the AIS covered the entire face of the sella. Dimensions of the AIS averaged 1.7 × 11.7 × 2.8 mm, PIS averaged 1.5 × 10.8 × 1.7 mm, and IIS averaged 8.7 × 11.8 × 1.0 mm when present.

Conclusion All examined specimens demonstrated the presence of an AIS, and most had a PIS. The presence of an IIS was more variable. Preoperative awareness of these sinuses is helpful in planning transsphenoidal surgery to minimize the risk of bleeding.



Publication History

Received: 12 January 2022

Accepted: 03 April 2022

Accepted Manuscript online:
06 April 2022

Article published online:
03 June 2022

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