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Dorsal vein of corpus callosum

The dorsal vein of the corpus callosum is a small, paired cerebral vein located along the dorsal (upper) surface of the corpus callosum. It plays a significant role in draining blood from the superior surface of the corpus callosum and adjacent medial brain structures into the internal cerebral veins. This vein is best appreciated on high-resolution neuroimaging, especially in MR venography and contrast-enhanced studies. Knowledge of its anatomy and imaging appearance is crucial for interpreting cerebral venous system pathology and for planning neurosurgical or interventional procedures.

Synonyms:

  • Superior callosal vein

  • Dorsal callosal vein

  • Vein of the corpus callosum dorsalis

Function:

  • Drains venous blood from the superior surface of the corpus callosum.

  • Contributes to the venous drainage of adjacent medial frontal and parietal lobes.

  • Empties primarily into the internal cerebral veins.

MRI Appearance:

  • T1-weighted (T1):

    • Appears as a small, low-signal (hypointense) linear or dot-like structure along the dorsal surface of the corpus callosum.

    • May be difficult to visualize without contrast due to its size.

  • T2-weighted (T2):

    • Seen as a small, flow void or signal loss (hypointense) on the dorsal aspect of the corpus callosum, representing rapid venous flow.

    • Surrounded by the hyperintense white matter of the corpus callosum.

  • Post-contrast T1-weighted (T1 C+):

    • The vein enhances and becomes more conspicuous, appearing as a thin, well-defined linear or curvilinear structure on the dorsal corpus callosum.

    • Best visualized in high-resolution, thin-slice 3D post-contrast acquisitions (e.g., 3D MPRAGE or SPGR).

  • 3D Phase-Contrast MRV (PC 3D):

    • Visualized as a small, continuous venous channel draining into the internal cerebral veins.

    • High sensitivity for detecting small cerebral veins and their anatomical course.

CT & CTV Appearance:

  • Non-contrast CT:

    • Usually not visualized due to small size and lack of contrast difference.

    • May be inferred by subtle linear hypodensity in rare cases.

  • CT Venography (CTV):

    • Enhanced visualization as a small, enhancing linear structure on the dorsal surface of the corpus callosum.

    • Best seen on multiplanar reconstructions.

    • Useful for evaluating venous patency or thrombosis.

MRI images

Dorsal vein of corpus callosum MRI 3T sagittal image