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Lateral vein of lateral ventricle

The lateral vein of the lateral ventricle is a small but significant cerebral vein that drains blood from the lateral walls of the lateral ventricle, particularly the atrium and posterior horn. It plays a crucial role in the venous drainage system of the deep brain structures, connecting with other deep veins and ultimately draining into the internal cerebral vein. Understanding its anatomy, function, and imaging characteristics is essential for neuroradiologists and clinicians, especially when evaluating deep cerebral pathologies or planning neurosurgical interventions.

Synonyms

  • Superior lateral atrial vein

  • Lateral atrial vein

  • Vein of the lateral ventricle

  • Vena lateralis ventriculi lateralis (Latin)

Function

  • Drains venous blood from the lateral wall of the atrium and posterior horn of the lateral ventricle

  • Connects the deep venous system with the internal cerebral vein

  • Contributes to the clearance of metabolic waste products from deep white matter structures

  • Assists in maintaining intracranial pressure equilibrium through venous outflow

MRI Appearance

  • T2-weighted MRI

    • Appears as a small, curvilinear hypointense (dark) structure, often adjacent to the atrium of the lateral ventricle

    • Best visualized in thin-section coronal or sagittal images

    • May be difficult to differentiate from adjacent small arteries or choroidal structures without advanced venography sequences

  • T1-weighted MRI

    • Generally hypointense or isointense to surrounding brain parenchyma

    • Can be challenging to visualize directly without contrast

    • Venous flow may cause signal void or flow-related artifacts

  • 3D Phase Contrast (PC 3D) MR Venography

    • Visualized as a fine linear venous channel draining into the internal cerebral vein

    • Enhanced visualization of flow and venous anatomy compared to standard T1/T2 sequences

    • Useful for mapping venous drainage patterns and identifying variants

  • Post-Contrast T1-weighted MRI

    • Demonstrates strong linear or curvilinear enhancement corresponding to the course of the vein

    • Post-contrast images improve detection and delineation from adjacent choroid plexus and arteries

    • Helpful in assessing venous patency and detecting thrombosis or malformations

CT and CTV Appearance

  • CT (Non-contrast)

    • Not routinely visible due to small size and lack of inherent contrast with adjacent brain tissue

    • May be inferred by the presence of adjacent vascular channels if calcified choroid plexus is present

  • CTV (CT Venography)

    • Appears as a fine, enhancing linear structure in the region of the lateral ventricle atrium

    • Best seen on thin-slice, high-resolution venography images

    • Important for preoperative planning, assessment of venous anomalies, or thrombosis

MRI images

Lateral vein of lateral ventricle MRI 3T axial image