Anat Cell Biol.  2023 Dec;56(4):435-440. 10.5115/acb.23.171.

Trabeculae in the basilar venous plexus: anatomical and histological study with application to intravascular procedures

• Grayson VS
• Couldwell M
• Chaiyamoon A
• Cardona JJ
• Reina F
• Carrera A
• McCormack EP
• Johnson K
• Keshavarzi S
• Iwanaga J
• Dumont AS
• Tubbs RS

• KMID: 2548895
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.23.171

Abstract

Few studies have examined the basilar venous plexus (BVP) and to our knowledge, no previous study has described its histology. The present anatomical study was performed to better elucidate these structures. In ten cadavers, the BVP was dissected. The anatomical and histological evaluation of the intraluminal trabeculae within this sinus were evaluated. Once all gross measurements were made, the clivus and overlying BVP were harvested and submitted for histological analysis. A BVP was identified in all specimens and in each of these, intraluminal trabeculae were identified. The mean number of trabeculae per plexus was five. These were most concentrated in the upper half of the clivus and were more often centrally located. These septations traveled in a posterior to anterior direction and usually, from inferiorly to superiorly however some were noted to travel horizontally. In a few specimens the trabeculae had wider bases, especially on the posterior attachment to the meningeal layer of dura mater. More commonly, the trabeculae ended in a denticulate form at their two terminal ends. The trabeculae were on average were 0.85 mm in length. The mean width of the trabeculae was 0.35 mm. These septations were consistent with the cords of Willis as are found in the lumen of some of the other intradural venous sinuses. An understanding of the internal anatomy of the BVP can aid in our understanding of venous pathology. Furthermore, this knowledge will benefit patients undergoing interventional treatments that involve the BVP.

Keyword

Plexus; Intravascular procedures; Sinus; Anatomy; Clivus

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Schematic drawings of the basilar venous plexus (red arrow) and surrounding anatomy. *Marginal sinus.

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  Fig. 2 (A) Gross cadaveric dissection inside the basilar venous plexus (blue) after opening a window into the dura mater (black arrow) over the clivus. Note the septation (*) within the basilar venous plexus. The septation is seen attaching to the anterior and posterior walls of the plexus. For reference, laterally, note the right abducens nerve (VI) traveling through the dura (Dorello’s canal) over the clivus and continuing anteriorly under the petroclinoid (clival) ligament (yellow arrow) to enter the cavernous sinus with the inferior petrosal sinus. (B) Gross dissection noting a more or less horizontally positioned intraluminal septation (*) within the basilar venous plexus (BVP).

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  Fig. 3 Histological sections (Masson’s trichrome) the basilar venous plexus. (A) The plexus (arrows) is seen within the dura mater overlying the clivus. The trabecular portion of the clivus is labeled with black font and the cortical surface of the clivus is labeled with white font. (B) The plexus (BVP) is seen at greater magnification (portion within the yellow box on the A) with the presence of an intraluminal septation (*). Also, note the blood cells (BCs) within the basilar venous plexus.

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  Fig. 4 Histological section (Masson’s trichrome) through the clivus noting the basilar venous plexus (BVP). An intraluminal septation is seen at the arrow. Also, note the red blood cells (RBCs) within the lumen of the basilar venous plexus.

Reference

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