Anatomy and Cell Biology

Korean Association of Anatomists (대한해부학회)
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Trabeculae in the basilar venous plexus: anatomical and histological study with application to intravascular procedures

  • Viktoriya S. Grayson (Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Mitchell Couldwell (Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Arada Chaiyamoon (Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University) ;
  • Juan J. Cardona (Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Francisco Reina (Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neurosciences Research Group, University of Girona) ;
  • Ana Carrera (Department of Medical Sciences, Clinical Anatomy, Embryology and Neurosciences Research Group, University of Girona) ;
  • Erin P. McCormack (Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Kendrick Johnson (Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Sassan Keshavarzi (Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Joe Iwanaga (Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • Aaron S. Dumont (Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine) ;
  • R. Shane Tubbs (Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine)
  • Received : 2023.06.17
  • Accepted : 2023.08.11
  • Published : 2023.12.31
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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.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

The authors sincerely thank those who donated their bodies to science so that anatomical research could be performed. Results from such research can potentially increase mankind's overall knowledge that can then improve patient care. Therefore, these donors and their families deserve our highest gratitude [30].

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