Cent Eur Neurosurg 2011; 72(1): 32-37
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1253348
Technical Note

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Position Dependent Changes of the Cerebral Venous Drainage – Implications for the Imaging of the Cervical Spine

P. Niggemann1 , J. Kuchta2 , D. Grosskurth3 , H.-K. Beyer1 , T. Krings4 , M. Reinges5
  • 1Privatpraxis für Upright MRT, Radiology, Köln, Germany
  • 2MediaPark Klinik Köln, Neurosurgery, Spine Surgery, Köln, Germany
  • 3Privatpraxis für Upright MRT, Orthepedics, Köln, Germany
  • 4University of Toronto, Neuroradiology, Toronto, Canada
  • 5RWTH Aachen University, Neurosurgery, Aachen, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
15 June 2010 (online)

Abstract

Purpose: This study demonstrates the physiological changes of the cerebral venous outflow routes in healthy humans in the recumbent and the sitting position employing positional MRI.

Methods: In five volunteers, the internal jugular veins and the cervical vertebral plexus were analyzed in the supine and sitting position using an open MR system. Axial T2-weighted scans and axial T1-weighted flow sensitive gradient echo sequences were acquired. The findings were compared to previously published anatomic descriptions from cadaver preparations.

Results: In the supine position, the internal jugular vein is the main route for the cerebral venous outflow. The mean area was 100 mm2 (±29 mm2) for both sides together. In the sitting position, the jugular vein collapses (mean area: 11 mm2±2 mm2) and the vertebral venous plexus becomes more prominent.

Conclusion: The position dependent changes in cerebral venous outflow can be imaged using positional MRI. The vertebral venous plexuses may mimic pathologies and physicians reading positional MRI images of the cervical spine should be aware of the physiological changes occurring in the erect position.

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Correspondence

Dr. P. Niggemann

Privatpraxis für Upright MRT

Radiology Maternusstraße 44

50996 Köln

Germany

Phone: +49 221 340279 0

Fax: +49 221 340279 10

Email: p.niggemann@mrt-koeln.de

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