Radiological and anatomical evaluation of the cranial nerves running lateral wall of the cavernous sinus

SUMMARY The cavernous sinus is a clinically important structure. Injuries of the cranial nerves running lateral wall of the cavernous sinus may occur during surgery of this region. The descriptions of the sinus and its contents show great variation. To demonstrate the route of cranial nerves within the cavernous sinus with magnetic resonance imaging is useful. In this study the dimension and shape of the cavernous sinuses and courses of the nerves on its lateral wall were investigated radiologically and anatomically. In addition, the trabeculated venous space of the sinus was studied. Fifty magnetic resonance images with normal pituitary gland were chosen for radiological study, and 10 fetal and 5 adult cadavers were used for anatomical study. Asymmetric cavernous sinuses were encountered during magnetic resonance imaging. Differences in the courses of the cranial nerves on the lateral wall of this sinus were identified. The width of the sinus was identified in fetuses and adults. To know the anatomy of the cavernous sinus’s related structures will provide a great benefit in minimizing the rate of complications which may occur during the resection of tumors of the cavernous sinus and the hypophysis, or other surgical procedures at this region.