The parapharyngeal vein-an accessory communication between the middle cerebral veins and the internal jugular vein: a case report.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The superficial middle cerebral vein (SMCV) typically drains into the cavernous sinus, which, in turn, connects to the pterygoid venous plexus via a sphenoidal emissary vein. The latter may course through the foramen ovale. The pterygoid plexus drains in most cases into the retromandibular and facial veins. A peculiar SMCV drainage pathway to the internal jugular vein (IJV) via a parapharyngeal vein was found here.

Method

The anatomic variant reported here was identified by carefully reviewing the archived CT angiogram in a 68-year-old male case.

Results

A double SMCV was found on the right side. The resulting common SMCV trunk passed laterally to the foramen rotundum to empty into the cavernous sinus. A sphenoidal emissary vein joined it, which continued infe

SUBMITTER: Rusu MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12178991 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature