Internal cerebral vein

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

Synonyms: Internal cerebral vein

ICD-11: XA6DC3

The internal cerebral vein is a paired deep cerebral vein that drains into the great cerebral vein.

Anatomy

The internal cerebral vein originates from multiple venous tributaries in the region of the foramen of Monro and runs posteriorly in the roof of the third ventricle above the striae medullaris thalami between the two layers of the tela choroidea. The anterior parts of the internal cerebral vein run parallel to each other adjacent to the midline. Posteriorly, they diverge to run along the superolateral surface of the pineal gland. Further posteriorly, below the splenium of the corpus callosum, the two internal cerebral veins converge and, after leaving the velum interpositum in the quadrigeminal cistern, flow into the great cerebral vein[^1].

Clinical Relevance

An occlusion of the internal cerebral vein (e.g. due to thrombosis or surgically) can have severe clinical consequences and lead to venous infarctions[^2].

Illustration

Internal cerebral veins
Schematic representation of the internal cerebral veins (referred to as velar veins in this figure). Figure adapted from Grays Anatomy Figure 565.
Tectum from posterior Rhoton
Anatomical illustration of the four-lobe plate with and without corresponding vascular structures. Illustration adapted from Albert Rhoton 2002 Neurosurgery.
Internal cerebral veins
Endoscopic view of the two internal cerebral veins (green arrow) in a paramedian infratentorial supracerebellar approach.
Third ventricle Sagittal
Sagittal section through the third ventricle. Illustration adapted from Albert Rhoton 2002 in Neurosurgery.
Pineal gland sagittal
Sagittal anatomical at the level of the pineal gland. Image adapted from Adapted from Rhotons Cranial Anatomy and Surgical Approaches

Imaging

Internal cerebral vein MRI
MRI image of the internal cerebral vein (red arrow).