Superior sagittal sinus

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

Synonyms: Superior sagittal sinus

ICD-11: XA81R3

The superior sagittal sinus is an intradural venous blood channel of the brain.

Anatomy

The superior sagittal sinus runs along the upper edge of the longitudinal fissure of the cerebrum and receives venous blood supply from the bridging veins. The venous drainage occurs via the confluence of sinuses through the transverse sinus and sigmoid sinus into the internal jugular vein[^1].

Clinical Relevance

  • Sinus venous thrombosis can occur in the superior sagittal sinus and impair venous drainage.

  • Tumors, such as meningiomas, can infiltrate the superior sagittal sinus and impair venous drainage.

  • Intraoperative injuries to the superior sagittal sinus, such as during a craniotomy, can lead to severe venous bleeding.

  • The superior sagittal sinus can be involved in vascular malformations such as dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Illustration

Superior sagittal sinus
Anatomical drawing of the superior sagittal sinus. Figure adapted from Grays Anatomy Figure 566.
Venous blood vessels Rhoton
Illustration of the superior sagittal sinus, transverse sinus, sigmoid sinus and the torcula. Illustration adapted from Albert Rhoton 2002 Neurosurgery.

Imaging

The superior sagittal sinus can be visualized in various imaging modalities depending on the clinical question, such as in the venous phase of a contrast-enhanced CT scan, MRI scan or digital subtraction angiography.

Sinus sagittalis superior im MRI.
Superior sagittal sinus in the sagittal MRI image (T1 sequence with contrast medium).
Superior sagittal sinus
Superior sagittal sinus in the axial MRI image (T1 sequence with contrast medium).
Superior sagittal sinus DSA
Illustration of the superior sagittal sinus (red arrows) in a venous phase of a digital subtraction angiography.