Abstract
A systematic PubMed and Google Scholar search for studies related to the anatomy, history, surgical approaches, complications, and diseases of the superior sagittal sinus was performed. The purpose of this review is to elucidate some of the more recent advances of our understanding of this structure. One of the earliest anatomical landmarks to be described, the superior sagittal sinus (SSS, sinus sagittalis superior (Latin); “sagittalis” Latin for ‘arrow’ and “sinus” Latin for ‘recess, bend, or bay’) has been defined and redefined by the likes of Vesalius and Cushing. A review of the various methods of approaching pathology of the SSS is discussed, as well as the historical discovery of these methods. Disease states that were emphasized include invasion of the SSS by meningioma, as well as thrombosis and vascular malformations.
Highlights
BackgroundHistorical perspectiveOne of the earliest anatomical landmarks to be described, the superior sagittal sinus (SSS, sinus sagittalis superior (Latin); “sagittalis” Latin for ‘arrow’ and “sinus” Latin for ‘recess, bend, or bay’) has been defined and redefined by the likes of Vesalius and Cushing [1]
In 1888, Gowers was the first to describe dural venous sinus thrombosis, noting that “children are sometimes seized with hemiplegia, commencing with unilateral convulsions that are prone to recur” [3]
Larger tributaries lead to formation of the primitive SSS in its simplest form. Streeter believed that it is not until later than 20 mm crown rump length (CRL) that one may speak of a superior sagittal sinus proper - when the plexuses have fused at midline to form a longitudinal network
Summary
One of the earliest anatomical landmarks to be described, the superior sagittal sinus (SSS, sinus sagittalis superior (Latin); “sagittalis” Latin for ‘arrow’ and “sinus” Latin for ‘recess, bend, or bay’) has been defined and redefined by the likes of Vesalius and Cushing [1]. Anterior, middle, and posterior dural plexus undergo formation that drain the neural tube into the head sinus, located laterally. Larger tributaries lead to formation of the primitive SSS in its simplest form Streeter believed that it is not until later than 20 mm CRL that one may speak of a superior sagittal sinus proper - when the plexuses have fused at midline to form a longitudinal network. Secondary conditions or comorbidities related to pathologic involvement of the SSS are important, including septic dural sinus thrombosis and an array of thrombophilias. Surgery for meningioma invasion into the SSS has been associated with postoperative venous sinus thrombosis leading to a conservative course of care with these tumors [23]. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been recommended for the treatment of arterial air embolism, but has recently been described in the treatment of cerebral venous air embolism [34]
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