Cavernous sinus pathology: CT and MRI findings

Congress:

ECR 2011

Poster Number:

C-1788

Type:

Educational Exhibit

Keywords:

Pathology, MR-Angiography, MR, Vascular, Neuroradiology brain

Authors:

F. imbriano¹, S. Ballester¹, A. E. Buzzi², J. P. Oprandi¹, E. salum ³; ¹buenos aires/AR, ²Ciudad De Buenos Aires/AR, ³Buenos Aires /AR

DOI:

10.1594/ecr2011/C-1788

DOI-Link:

https://dx.doi.org/10.1594/ecr2011/C-1788

Fig. 1: Schwannoma of the trigeminal nerve

Fig. 2: Plexiform neurinoma

Fig. 3: Neurinoma of the trigeminal nerve (T1-weighted sequences and T2)

Learning objectives

Learning Objectives:To recognize the complex anatomy of the cavernous sinus. To illustrate CT and MRI findings of cavernous sinus lesions.

Background

Background: The cavernous sinus is a venous system component ofendocranium, including a large group of thin-walled veins that form a cavity bounded bythe sphenoid, located laterally to the sella and temporal bone of the skull.A wide spectrum of neoplasic, inflammatory, infectious or vascular processes may affect it. Features with CT, angio-CT, MRI and angio-MRI play an important role in the diagnosis of these lesions. We describe and illustrate the most common radiological patterns of lesions that could compromise this compartment.

Imaging findings OR Procedure details

Imaging Findings: CT and MRI scans can identify primary tumors and depict the spread of non-neoplasic processes which may affect the cavernous sinus. These entities include neoplasms (e.g., meningiomas, schwannomas, invasive pituitary adenomas, lymphomas or metastases),inflammatory and infectious diseases (e.g., pituitary abscess, thrombophlebitis or Tolosa-Hunt syndrome), and vascular lesions (e.g., aneurysm or carotid-cavernous fistula). Schwannoma Although vestibular schwannomas represent about 95% of intracranial schwannomas, neural sheath tumors can develop in all the other nerves of the cerebellopontine angle, especially trigeminal and facial nerves but also...

Conclusion

Conclusion:Imaging studies are essential for the evaluation of the tumors and non-neoplasic processes affecting the cavernous sinus. MRI has become the dominant modality as it allows a multiplanar approach and direct visualization of the lesions and surrounding structures involvement.

Personal Information

References

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