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Posterior veins of septum pellucidum

The Posterior Posterior veins of the septum pellucidum are small but significant cerebral veins that drain the posterior part of the septum pellucidum, a thin, triangular, vertical double membrane separating the anterior horns of the left and right lateral ventricles of the brain. These veins are part of the deep venous system and typically course posteriorly to empty into the internal cerebral veins. Their recognition is important in neuroimaging for understanding variations in cerebral venous drainage and in differentiating normal venous anatomy from pathology, especially on advanced MRI and CT imaging.

Synonyms

  • Septal veins (posterior group)

  • Posterior septal veins

  • Posterior veins of the septum pellucidum

Function

  • Drain venous blood from the posterior region of the septum pellucidum

  • Serve as tributaries to the internal cerebral veins

  • Contribute to the deep cerebral venous drainage system

MRI Appearance

  • T1-Weighted Images

    • Appear as small, linear, hypointense (dark) structures against the brain parenchyma

    • May be difficult to visualize without contrast unless enlarged or thrombosed

  • T2-Weighted Images

    • Appear as small, flow-void (black) linear structures due to rapid blood flow

    • Surrounding CSF in the lateral ventricles may provide some contrast

  • PC 3D (Phase Contrast 3D) MRI

    • Enhances visualization of venous structures using flow-sensitive techniques

    • Posterior veins are better delineated, appearing as thin linear structures with high signal from blood flow

  • Post-Contrast T1-Weighted MRI

    • Veins enhance brightly after gadolinium administration, making them more conspicuous

    • Show as enhancing linear or curvilinear structures along the posterior aspect of the septum pellucidum

CT Appearance

  • Non-Contrast CT

    • Usually not visualized unless calcified or thrombosed

    • May appear as faint linear densities within the septal region in rare cases

  • CTV (CT Venography)

    • Clearly visualized as enhancing linear structures posterior to the septum pellucidum

    • Helps delineate their relationship to the internal cerebral veins and other deep venous structures

MRI images

Posterior veins of septum pellucidum MRI 3T image