title: Dilated intercavernous sinuses: an MR sign of carotid-cavernous and carotid-dural fistulas.
abstract: Dilated venous channels traversing the sella and connecting the two cavernous sinuses were seen on contrast-enhanced MR images in four patients with angiographically proved carotid fistulas. The anatomy and variations of these so-called intercavernous sinuses are discussed and are demonstrated in Latex-injected anatomic specimens. Direct visualization of the intercavernous sinuses on contrast-enhanced MR images may serve as an ancillary sign for the diagnosis of carotid-cavernous or carotid-dural fistulas near the sella.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.
authors.forename: A D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Elster
authors.forename: M Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: D N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Yeatts
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002426:Cavernous Sinus / Q000473:pathology*; D002533:Cerebral Angiography; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000098:blood supply*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged