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Published in: European Radiology 6/2016

01-06-2016 | Neuro

Brain herniations into the dural venous sinus or calvarium: MRI findings, possible causes and clinical significance

Authors: Bilal Battal, Salih Hamcan, Veysel Akgun, Sebahattin Sari, Oguzhan Oz, Mustafa Tasar, Mauricio Castillo

Published in: European Radiology | Issue 6/2016

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Abstract

Objectives

To determine frequency, imaging features and clinical significance of herniations of brain parenchyma into dural venous sinuses (DVS) and/or calvarium found on MRI.

Methods

A total of 6160 brain MRI examinations containing at least one high-resolution T1- or T2-weighted sequence were retrospectively evaluated to determine the presence of incidental brain herniations into the DVS or calvarium. MRI sequences available for review were evaluated according to their capability to demonstrate these herniations. Patients’ symptoms and clinical findings were recorded.

Results

Twenty-one (0.32 %) brain parenchyma herniations into the DVS (n = 18) or calvarium (n = 3) in 20 patients were detected. The most common locations of the herniations were the transverse sinuses (n = 13) and those involving inferior gyrus of the temporal lobe (n = 9). High-resolution T1- and T2-weighted sequences were equally useful in the detection of these brain herniations. According to clinical symptoms, brain herniations were considered to be incidental but headaches were present in nine patients.

Conclusion

Brain herniations with surrounding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the DVS and/or calvarium are incidental findings and not proven to be associated with any symptoms. Although rare, these herniations are more common than previously recognized and should not be confused with arachnoid granulations, clots or tumours.

Key points

• Brain herniations into the DVS are more common than previously assumed.
• The most frequent locations are the transverse sinus.
• These herniations are incidental findings.
• The relationship between brain herniation into DVS and headache is uncertain.
• High-resolution MR sequences are most useful in detection of brain herniations.
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Metadata
Title
Brain herniations into the dural venous sinus or calvarium: MRI findings, possible causes and clinical significance
Authors
Bilal Battal
Salih Hamcan
Veysel Akgun
Sebahattin Sari
Oguzhan Oz
Mustafa Tasar
Mauricio Castillo
Publication date
01-06-2016
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Radiology / Issue 6/2016
Print ISSN: 0938-7994
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1084
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-015-3959-x

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