Venous variations of the brain and cranial vault

Variations in the anatomic distribution of cerebral venous drainage, developmental venous anomalies (DVAs), are familiar to neuroradiologists and are usually asymptomatic, incidental findings. These anomalies may be associated with hemorrhage, presumably because of functional venous obstruction, or when combined with cavernous malformations. DVAs are frequently seen in patients with extensive cervicofacial or orbital venous and lymphatic malformations. Dural and osteodural malformations (eg, sinus pericranii) also coexist with cervicofacial and cerebral vascular malformations. Recognition of these associated malformations and their impact on cerebral blood flow as well as flow through the facial malformation is important in treatment planning.