Venous Drainage of the Craniocervical Junction: a Retrospective Anatomical Study (SVCR MR1)

Venous Drainage of the Craniocervical Junction: a Retrospective Anatomical Study

This study aims to examine the feasibility of distinctly visualizing the different cervical venous networks (subcutaneous, muscular, extra-canalicular, and intra-canalicular) using dedicated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences. Theoretically, these venous networks contribute to the complex distribution of blood drainage in the cervical region, but their precise identification on imaging remains challenging.The objectives of this research are twofold: first, to assess the ability of MRI to differentiate each venous network, thereby enhancing the anatomical and functional understanding of this region; and second, to explore the possibility of grouping patients according to the predominant venous network, which could reveal significant physiological variations and specific anatomical profiles.The results could not only refine the diagnosis of cervical vascular pathologies but also guide targeted therapeutic approaches.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient affiliated with a social security system
• Age >18 years
• Patient who underwent a T1 Angio-MRI with gradient echo and contrast agent of the cranio-cervical region, regardless of the indication, at the Brest University Hospital between 01/01/2019 and 01/11/2024

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients under judicial protection (guardianship, curatorship, etc.) Refusal to participate (expressed opposition) History of venous occlusive pathology OR vascular pathology such as cerebral or spinal AVM/FAV History of posterior cranial fossa surgery OR surgical approach to the posterior cervical spine History of radiotherapy/chemotherapy/any known vein-toxic therapies