Topics

Topic

design image
Pericallosal cistern

The pericallosal cistern is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled subarachnoid space located around the corpus callosum, the largest commissural fiber bundle connecting the two cerebral hemispheres. It is part of the larger group of basal cisterns and plays a crucial role in the circulation of CSF within the brain. The pericallosal cistern lies superior to the corpus callosum and follows its curvature, extending from the genu (anteriorly) to the splenium (posteriorly). It contains the pericallosal arteries and their branches, as well as small veins, and communicates with adjacent cisterns such as the interhemispheric fissure and the quadrigeminal cistern posteriorly.

Synonyms

  • Superior cistern of corpus callosum

  • Cisterna pericallosa (Latin)

  • Callosal cistern

Function

  • Acts as a CSF reservoir and conduit around the corpus callosum.

  • Cushions and protects the corpus callosum and adjacent brain structures.

  • Allows passage of the pericallosal arteries and their branches.

  • Provides a space for the movement of blood vessels and nerves in the interhemispheric region.

MRI Appearance

  • T1-weighted Imaging:

    • Pericallosal cistern appears as a region of low signal intensity (dark) due to the CSF content.

    • The surrounding brain parenchyma and the corpus callosum appear as relatively higher signal intensity.

  • T2-weighted Imaging:

    • Cistern is high signal intensity (bright) due to the CSF.

    • Clearly outlines the corpus callosum above and below.

  • FLAIR (Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery):

    • CSF within the pericallosal cistern is suppressed and appears dark (low signal).

    • Lesions (e.g., blood, infection, tumor) or abnormalities will stand out as high signal if present.

CT Appearance

  • Appears as a hypodense (dark) space following the curve of the corpus callosum.

  • Not normally well seen unless widened by atrophy, hydrocephalus, or mass effect.

  • Calcifications or hemorrhage within the cistern (rare) will appear hyperdense (bright).

MRI images

Pericallosal cistern mri 3t axial image

MRI images

Pericallosal cistern mri 3t sagittal image

CT image

Pericallosal cistern CT coronal anatomy image -img-00001-00001