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Cistern of transverse fissure

The cistern of the transverse fissure, also known as the cisterna fissurae transversae, is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled subarachnoid space located within the transverse cerebral fissure, a deep cleft that separates the corpus callosum and the fornix above from the thalamus and the roof of the third ventricle below. This cistern serves as an important anatomical conduit between the supratentorial and infratentorial compartments of the brain, linking the quadrigeminal cistern (posteriorly) with the chiasmatic cistern (anteriorly). It accommodates several critical neurovascular structures, including the internal cerebral veins and posterior cerebral arteries, as they traverse the midline from the interpeduncular and chiasmatic cisterns to the vein of Galen region.

Synonyms

  • Cistern of the transverse cerebral fissure

  • Cisterna fissurae transversae (Latin)

  • Transverse cerebral fissure cistern

  • Subarachnoid space of the transverse fissure

Function

  • Acts as a pathway for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation between deep brain cisterns.

  • Provides a corridor for major blood vessels and veins, such as the internal cerebral veins, posterior cerebral arteries, and the basal veins of Rosenthal.

  • Contributes to the buffering of brain movements and protection of neurovascular structures.

  • Offers surgical access to deep midline brain structures during neurosurgical procedures.

MRI Appearance

  • T1-weighted images:

    • Appears as a hypointense (dark) CSF-filled space, sharply demarcated from the adjacent brain parenchyma.

    • Internal vascular structures (veins, arteries) may be seen as flow voids (very dark or black areas) within the cistern.

  • T2-weighted images:

    • Appears hyperintense (bright) due to the long T2 relaxation time of CSF.

    • Flow voids from blood vessels are also present and appear as dark tubular structures.

    • Surrounding anatomy, such as the splenium of the corpus callosum and pineal gland, is well visualized.

  • FLAIR images:

    • Normally appears hypointense (dark) or null signal as CSF is suppressed on FLAIR.

    • Any abnormal signal (e.g., hyperintensity) may suggest pathological processes like hemorrhage, infection, or leptomeningeal disease.

CT Appearance

  • Appears as a low attenuation (dark) space located in the midline, just above the thalamus and third ventricle, and below the corpus callosum.

  • Blood vessels within the cistern may be faintly visualized if contrast is used, appearing as linear or curvilinear hyperdense (bright) structures.

  • Mass effect, hemorrhage, or abnormal density within the cistern may indicate underlying pathology such as subarachnoid hemorrhage, mass lesion, or obstructive hydrocephalus.

MRI images

Cistern of transverse fissure mri 3t coronal image

MRI images

Cistern of transverse fissure mri 3t sagittal image

CT image

Cistern of transverse fissure CT axial anatomy image -img-00001-00001