Superior sagittal sinus

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

Synonyms: Superior sagittal sinus

ICD-11: XA81R3

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

Anatomy

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

Clinical Relevance

  • Sinus venous thromboses can occur in the superior sagittal sinus, thereby impairing venous outflow.

  • Tumors such as meningiomas can infiltrate the superior sagittal sinus and thereby impair venous outflow.

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

  • The superior sagittal sinus can be involved in vascular malformations like 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 using various imaging modalities depending on the clinical question, such as in the venous phase of a contrast-enhanced CT scan, MRI 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.