Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2011, Vol. 15 ›› Issue (52): 9787-9791.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2011.52.023

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Three-dimensional CT anatomy of the vein behind atlantoaxial complex

Chen Yong-jun1, Xie Bo-zhen1, Chen Li-jun2, Sui Tong2, Zhao Hui-yi1, Duan Shao-yin2   

  1. 1Department of Spine Surgery, 2Department of Imaging, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen  361004, Fujian Province, China
  • Received:2011-10-08 Revised:2011-11-10 Online:2011-12-24 Published:2011-12-24
  • Contact: Duan Shao-yin, Doctor, Professor, Department of Imaging, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, Fujian Province, China xmdsy@xmu.edu.cn
  • About author:Chen Yong-jun★, Studying for master’s degree, Department of Spine Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, Fujian Province, China
  • Supported by:

    the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30870690*

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Anatomy structure of craniocervical junction is complicated, it is necessary to preoperatively observe the vein structure behind the atlantoaxial complex. Three-dimensional CT angiography (CTA) has obvious advantages in showing them.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the complex venous plexus structure behind the atlantoaxial complex.
METHODS: Sixty subjects who were performed CTA in head and neck without any pathology of craniocervical junction, were selected at random. Three-dimensional CT images of them were analyzed retrospectively to measure the structure of the vein behind atlantoaxial complex and describe the spatial relationship of atlantoaxial complex. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences in the volume of suboccipital cavernous sinus (SCS) and epidural venous plexus (EVP), the distance from SCS to midline on the left and right sides, the diameter of deep cervical vein (DCV) at the level of posterior arch of the atlas, the distance from DCV to the midline and to posterior arch of the atlas on the left and right sides and measurements between male and female (P > 0.05) except the distance from EPV to midline on the left and right sides (P < 0.05). It is indicated that vein and venous plexus behind atlantoaxial complex are rich and complicated in sharp or structure with uncertaion variations.

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