Abnormalities of the deep medullary white matter veins: MR imaging findings.

Abstract

M R imaging and MR venography are outstanding noninvasive techniques for evaluating the major intracranial veins and dural sinuses. The deep medullary white matter veins have received less attention. in part because of their small size. In this essay. the normal anatomy of these veins is reviewed. Developmental or pathologic processes that can affect the deep medullary veins are illustrated on MR imaging. The role of contrast enhancement is emphasized. Knowledge of the normal and abnormal appearance of these veins on MR imaging will help the radiologist to make more specific and anatomically precise diagnoses. Normal Anatomy