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Inferior choroidal vein

The inferior choroidal vein is a deep cerebral vein that arises from the choroid plexus of the temporal horn of the lateral ventricle. It courses posteriorly along the inferior choroidal fissure and drains into the basal vein of Rosenthal. This venous pathway is essential for drainage of the choroid plexus, hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, and parts of the temporal lobe white matter. It frequently forms connections with the lateral atrial vein and other deep venous tributaries, contributing to the complex venous network of the deep brain.

Synonyms

  • Vena choroidea inferior

  • Temporal choroidal vein

  • Tributary of basal vein of Rosenthal

Function

  • Drains venous blood from the choroid plexus of the temporal horn

  • Collects blood from adjacent hippocampal and parahippocampal regions

  • Empties into the basal vein of Rosenthal, ultimately draining into the great cerebral vein (vein of Galen)

  • Contributes to venous outflow of the temporal lobe and deep choroidal plexus

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images (non-contrast):

  • Appears as a linear or tubular flow void along the choroidal fissure due to fast venous blood flow

  • Not directly visualized without angiographic techniques

T2-weighted images:

  • Also appears as a signal void

  • Adjacent structures such as hippocampus and choroid plexus are hyperintense, allowing indirect identification of its location

MRV (Magnetic Resonance Venography):

  • Time-of-flight (TOF) or contrast-enhanced MRV depicts the inferior choroidal vein as a small, enhancing venous channel draining into the basal vein of Rosenthal

  • MRV is highly useful for evaluating venous occlusion, thrombosis, or abnormal venous anatomy

T1 Post-Contrast (Gadolinium-enhanced MRI):

  • The vein enhances vividly, appearing as a thin, enhancing linear structure along the choroidal fissure

  • Contrast helps differentiate it from adjacent arteries and CSF spaces

CT Appearance

Non-contrast CT:

  • The inferior choroidal vein is not directly visualized due to small size

  • Acute thrombosis may be inferred as hyperdensity in the choroidal fissure

CT Venography (CTV):

  • The vein is opacified with contrast and traced to its junction with the basal vein of Rosenthal

  • CTV is useful in detecting venous thrombosis, mass effect, or displacement from lesions in the temporal lobe or choroid plexus region

MRI images

Inferior Choroidal Vein mri sagittal image -img-00000-00000

MRI images

Inferior Choroidal Vein