Transvenous Coil Embolization for Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas of the Ophthalmic Sheath: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature

We present two patients with a dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) of the ophthalmic sheath who developed progressive exophthalmos, conjunctival chemosis, and visual loss. These symptoms mimic those of cavernous sinus dAVFs. Dural AVFs of the ophthalmic sheath are extremely rare and their clinical management is controversial. We successfully treated these two patients by transvenous coil embolization. Transvenous embolization appears to be a safe and effective method to treat dAVFs of the ophthalmic sheath.

Anatomical observation on oral part of the facial artery and facial vein and its clinical application / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To observe the oral part of the facial artery and facial vein and to provide anatomical data for clinical applica-tion. Methods The origin, branches, course, diameter, position of oral part of facial artery and facial vein were observed on 32 fixed cada-ves (64 sides). Results The position relation between the facial artery and facial vein is non-constant. Measure the distance from inferior border of mandible to corner of the mouth, angulus mandibulae, mental protuberance midpoint. It is (5. 49 ± 0. 63) cm, (2. 50 ± 0. 89) cm and (6. 20 ± 1. 68) cm in the left side respectively, and (5. 69 ± 0. 72) cm, (2. 56 ± 1. 08) cm and (6. 85 ± 1. 86) cm in the right side re-spectively. The diameter of facial artery in inferior border of mandible is (0. 33 ± 0. 08) cm in the left side and (0. 38 ± 0. 07) cm in the right side;while the diameter of facial vein is (0. 40 ± 0. 12) cm in the left side and (0. 42 ± 0. 18) cm in the right side. The facial artery and facial vein are not concomitant and they are not asymmetry also. The position of superior labial artery arteries is constant, but the position of inferior labial artery arteries have more variations. Conclusion The branches, course, diameter and position of oral part of facial artery and facial vein have a number of variations. The superior labial artery arteries could be positioned more easily than inferior labial artery arter-ies. Being familiar with their distribution is of great importance for clinical application.

An Unusual Termination of Facial Vein and Anterior Division of Retromandibular Vein into External Jugular Vein: A Case Report

Facial vein, being the largest vein of the face forms the common facial vein after joining with the anterior division of retromandibular vein below the angle of the mandible. Usually, it drains into the internal jugular vein. During routine dissection of head and neck region of a male cadaver, aged approximately 50 years, an unusual pattern in the termination of veins on the left side of the neck was observed. The formation, course and termination of external jugular vein were normal. The anterior division of retromandibular vein joined with external jugular vein about 5 cm above the clavicle and the facial vein opened into the external jugular vein about 2.5 cm above the clavicle. In addition, there was a thin venous communication between anterior division of retromandibular vein and external jugular vein. The superficial veins of the neck are often used for cannulation; either for intravenous infusion or for central venous pressure monitoring. Furthermore, these venous segments are used as a patch for carotid endarterectomies. Hence, a thorough knowledge of the normal anatomy and their variations may be useful for performing these procedures.

Transvenous Embolization of Cavernous and Paracavernous Dural Arteriovenous Fistula through the Facial Vein: Report of 12 Cases / 신경중재치료의학

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the transfacial venous embolization of cavernous or paracavernous dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) in which approach via inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) was not feasible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified the cases of transfacial venous embolization of cavernous sinus (CS) or adjacent dural sinuses from the neurointerventional database of three hospitals. The causes and clinical and angiographic outcomes of transfacial venous embolization were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Twelve patients with CS (n = 11) or lesser wing of sphenoid sinus (LWSS, n = 1) DAVF were attempted to treat by transvenous embolization via ipsilateral (n = 10) or contralateral (n = 2) facial vein. Trans-IPS access to the target lesion was impossible due to chronic occlusion (n = 11) or acute angulation adjacent the target lesion (n = 1). In all twelve cases, it was possible to navigate through facial vein, angular vein, superior ophthalmic vein, and then CS. It was also possible to further navigation to contralateral CS through intercavernous sinus in two cases, and laterally into LWSS in one case. Post-treatment control angiography revealed complete occlusion of the DAVF in eleven cases and partial occlusion in one patient, resulting in complete resolution of presenting symptom in eight and gradually clinical improvement in four patients. There was no treatment-related complication during or after the procedure. CONCLUSION: In the cavernous or paracavernous DAVF in which trans-IPS approach is not feasible, the facial vein seems to be safe and effective alternative route for transvenous embolization.

Two rare anatomical variations of external jugular vein: an embryological overview / Dos raras variaciones anatómicas de la vena yugular externa: una visión embriológica

Human anatomy is an ocean of unending variations and its mysteries are being unravelled since ages. Knowledge of variations in the superficial veins of head and neck is essential to carry out successful surgical procedures. During routine dissection of head and neck of two middle aged male cadavers, in the Department of Anatomy, Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata, India, we came out with some interesting venous architecture. The retromandibular vein on the left side of both the cadavers was found to be undivided and joined with the facial vein in the neck at an acute angle to form a common venous trunk at variable distances from the angle of the mandible. That trunk ultimately drained into the left subclavian vein. This might be the result of disappearance of the cephalic part of the external jugular vein and formation of an additional communication between common facial vein and the external jugular vein in foetal life. In one case, we also came across an extra transverse communication between that common trunk and the internal jugular vein. A detail of those cases with embryological explanation is attempted...

La anatomía humana tiene un sin fin de variaciones y sus misterios se han develado desde el inicio de los tiempos. El conocimiento de las variaciones anatómicas de las venas superficiales de la cabeza y del cuello es fundamental para llevar a cabo con éxito los procedimientos quirúrgicos. Durante una disección de rutina de cabeza y cuello encontramos una arquitectura venosa interesante en dos cadáveres de hombres de mediana edad en el Departamento de Anatomía de la Facultad de Medicina Nacional Calcuta, Calcuta, India. En el lado izquierdo del cuello de ambos cadáveres, la vena retromandibular no se encontraba dividida, y se unía a la vena facial en un ángulo agudo, para formar un tronco venoso común a una distancia variable desde el ángulo de la mandíbula. Ese tronco finalmente drenaba en la vena subclavia izquierda. Esto podría ser el resultado de la desaparición de la parte cefálica de la vena yugular externa y la formación de una comunicación adicional entre la vena facial común y la vena yugular externa en la vida fetal. En un caso, también se encontró con una comunicación adicional transversal entre ese tronco común y la vena yugular interna. Se realiza una descripción en detalle de los casos junto a una explicación embriológica...

The mandibular landmarks about the facial artery and vein with multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA): an anatomical and radiological morphometric study / Puntos de referencia de la mandíbula relacionados a la arteria y vena facial con angiografía por tomografía computarizada multidetector (ATCM): un estudio morfométrico anatómico y radiológico

The aim of this study was to investigate the course of the facial vessels according to several mandibular landmarks in living individuals using multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) to determine these related to sex and side. This study was conducted in the Radiology Department, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University (Konya, Turkey). In total, sixty faces from 30 specimens (15 males and 15 females) with symptoms and signs of vascular disease were evaluated for the facial vessels by MDCTA scan. The facial vessel parameters were measured according to the reference points (mandibular angle, mental protuberance, mental foramen and facial midline). The distance from the point at which the facial artery first appears in the lower margin of the mandible to the mandibular angle for right and left facial artery were observed as 3.53+/-0.66 cm and 3.31+/-0.73 cm in males, respectively. These distances were determined as 2.91+/-0.52 cm and 3.35+/-0.48 cm in females. MDCTA is a new, powerful, safe and noninvasive test to demonstrate the vasculature of the head. Bony structures and neighboring vessel morphology can be evaluated by this technique in cases of trauma with suspected vessel injuries and when considering patient selection for flap surgery.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar el curso de los vasos faciales de acuerdo con varios puntos de referencias mandibulares en sujetos vivos mediante angiografía por tomografía computarizada multidetector (ATCM) para determinar si éstos están relacionados con el sexo y el lado. El estudio se llevó a cabo en el Departamento de Radiología, Facultad de Medicina de Meram en Necmettin Erbakan (Konya, Turkey). En total, sesenta caras de 30 sujetos (15 hombres y 15 mujeres), que presentaban síntomas y signos de la enfermedad vascular fueron evaluados para explorar los vasos faciales por ATCM. Los parámetros sobre los vasos faciales se midieron en relación a puntos de referencia (ángulo de la mandíbula, proceso mental, foramen mental y línea mediana facial). La distancia desde el punto en el que la arteria facial aparece por primera vez en el margen inferior de la mandíbula hasta el ángulo mandibular de la arteria facial derecha y izquierda fueron 3,53+/-0,66 cm y 3,31+/-0,73 cm en hombres, respectivamente. En mujeres fueron 2,91+/-0,52 cm y 3,35+/-0,48 cm. La ATCM es un examen nuevo, poderoso, seguro y no invasivo para demostrar la vascularización de la cabeza. Las estructuras óseas y la morfología de los vasos vecinos pueden ser evaluados por esta técnica en casos de trauma con sospecha de lesiones de los vasos y se puede considerar de selección en pacientes para realizar cirugías de colgajo.

Abnormal Intraparotid Termination of Facial Vein and Its Clinical Importance

Facial vein is the main vein of the face. Though its origin is constant, it frequently shows variations in its termination. We report a rare type of variation of facial vein. The right facial vein coursed transversely across the masseter, superficial to the parotid duct and entered into the substance of the parotid gland, at its anterior border. Deep dissection of the gland revealed the abnormal termination of facial vein into the superficial temporal vein. The transverse facial vein drained into the facial vein. The superficial temporal vein after receiving the facial vein continued as retromandibular vein. Knowledge of this anomalous course and termination of facial vein may be important for the surgeons doing parotid, maxillofacial and plastic surgeries.

Anatomía quirúrgica del drenaje venoso en la región del triángulo carotídeo / Surgical anatomy of jugular vein tributaries

Background: The main tributaries of the internal jugular vein join at cervical level through the venous thyrolinguofacial trunk. This trunk is classically described as formed by the union of the facial, superior thyroid and lingual veins. Aim: To evaluate variations in the formation of the thyrolinguofacial trunk in human cadavers. Material and Methods: Thirty hemi-necks were dissected in human cadavers of nine men and six women, with ages ranging between 29 and 50 years, and analyzed by direct observation. Results: In 16 hemi-necks (53.3 percent), the trunk was thyrolinguofacial; in seven (23.3 percent), it was linguofacial; in six (20 percent), it was thyrolingual and in one case (3.3 percent) it was thyrolinguo pharyngofacial. No thyrofacial trunk formation was found. There was a correlation between the diameter of the internal jugular vein and of the venous trunk formed by these veins. Conclusions: There are morphological changes in the formation patterns of facial, lingual and superior thyroid veins. This information is useful for surgical oncology, plastic surgery, head and neck surgery and radiology.

Los principales afluentes de la vena yugular interna se incorporan a nivel cervical por medio del tronco venoso tirolinguofacial. Clásicamente se ha descrito su formación por la unión de la vena facial, lingual y tiroidea superior. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las variaciones en la presentación del tronco tirolinguofacial en cadáveres humanos de la región del Maule, Chile. Se disecaron 30 hemicuellos pertenecientes a 15 cadáveres humanos de ambos sexos, con un rango de edad entre 29 y 50 años, y se analizaron mediante observación directa. Se observó la formación de tronco venoso en la totalidad de los casos, siendo 53,3 por ciento correspondiente al tronco de tipo tirolinguofacial, 23,3 por ciento linguofacial, 20 por ciento tirolingual y sólo un 3,3 por ciento el tronco tirolinguofaringofacial. No se encontró la formación del tronco venoso de tipo tirofacial. Además se encontró una correlación significativa entre el diámetro de la vena yugular interna y el tronco venoso conformado por estas venas. Por lo tanto, existen variaciones morfológicas en los patrones de conformación de las venas facial, lingual y tiroidea superior, siendo estos datos de importancia para áreas de cirugía oncológica, cirugía plástica, cirugía de cabeza y cuello y radiología.

Aspectos macroscópicos da desembocadura das veias facial, lingual e tireóidea superior, na veia jugular interna / Macroscopic aspects of the discharge of facial, lingual and superior thyroid veins into the internal jugular vein

A veia jugular interna, no seu trajeto descendente no pescoço, recebe tributárias como a veia facial, a veia lingual e a veia tireóidea superior. As veias da cabeça e do pescoço se anastomosam livremente, promovendo, com freqüência, variações anatômicas na sua distribuição, até mesmo diferenças nos antímeros de um mesmo indivíduo. Essa grande tendência das veias de sofrerem variações anatômicas nos motivou a ampliar as investigações com relação à desembocadura das veias facial, lingual e tireóidea superior na veia jugular interna, promovendo a identificação desses vasos em peças anatômicas cadavéricas utilizadas nos laboratórios de ensino de anatomia humana. Para este trabalho, foram feitas observações macroscópicas, na forma da desembocadura das veias facial, lingual e tireóidea superior, na veia jugular interna, em 37 antímeros de cabeças humanas, fixadas em formol a 10%, sendo 11 cabeças com antímeros direito e esquerdo, 9 cabeças com antímero esquerdo e 6 cabeças com antímero direito. Nossos resultados mostraram que a veia jugular interna recebe as veias tributárias facial, lingual e tireóidea superior de maneira variada, sendo 51% com desembocadura direta dessas tributárias na veia jugular interna, 38% com formação de um tronco venoso curto, denominado tíreo-línguo-facial, e em apenas 11% a formação do tronco línguo-facial.

The internal jugular vein, in its descending course at the neck, receives tributaries among which there are: the facial vein, the lingual vein and the superior thyroid vein. The veins from the head and neck anastomose freely, and this frequently causes anatomical variations in their distribution even between the two antimeres of the same individual. This great tendency of the veins of displaying anatomical variations prompted us to widen the investigations concerning the discharge of facial, lingual and superior thyroid veins at the internal jugular vein by identifying these vessels in anatomic pieces used at the teaching laboratories of human anatomy. For this paper, macroscopic observations were made by opening the facial, lingual and superior thyroid veins into the internal jugular vein in 37 antimeres of human heads fixed in 10% formol solution: 11 heads with right and left antimeres, nine with left antimere and six with right antimere. Our results showed that the internal jugular vein receives drainage from the facial, lingual and superior thyroid vein in varied ways: in 51% of the instances, these tributaries open directly into the internal jugular vein, in 38% they form a short venous trunk named thyro-lingual-facial trunk and in only 11% there is a lingual-facial trunk.

Termination of the facial vein into the external jugular vein: an anatomical variation / Terminação da veia facial na veia jugular externa: uma variação anatômica

Different patterns of variations in the venous drainage have been observed in the past. During routine dissection in our Department of Anatomy, an unusual drainage pattern of the veins of the left side of the face of a middle aged cadaver was observed. The facial vein presented a normal course from its origin up to the base of mandible, and then it crossed the base of mandible posteriorly to the facial artery. Thereafter, it joined with the anterior division of retromandibular vein to form the common facial vein, which drained into the external jugular vein directly. Sound anatomic knowledge of the above variation in facial veins is essential to the success of surgical procedures in this region.

Padrões distintos de variações na drenagem venosa já foram observados. Durante a dissecção de rotina em nosso Departamento de Anatomia, observou-se um padrão incomum de drenagem das veias do lado esquerdo da face de um cadáver de meia idade. A veia facial apresentava curso normal de sua origem até a base da mandíbula, e então atravessava a base da mandíbula posteriormente à artéria facial. A seguir, juntava-se à divisão anterior da veia retromandibular para formar a veia facial comum, que drenava diretamente para a veia jugular externa. Um bom conhecimento anatômico da variação descrita acima nas veias faciais é essencial para garantir o sucesso que procedimentos cirúrgicos nessa região.

A Rare Termination of Left Common Facial Vein into Left Subclavian Vein: A Case Report / Terminación Rara de la Vena Facial Común Izquierda en la Vena Subclavia Izquierda: Reporte de Caso

During routine dissection of head and neck, an unusual drainage in pattern of the veins on the left side of the face was observed in an adult male cadaver. In the present case, he superficial temporal vein united with maxillary vein to form retromandibular vein within the substance of the left parotid gland. The anterior division of retromandibular vein joined with facial vein to form common facial vein that drained into left subclavian vein directly. Knowledge of such variations is important for surgeons performing head and neck surgeries. Facial veins are often grafted into carotid endarterectomy.

Durante una disección de rutina de cabeza y cuello, fue observado en un cadáver aduto masculino un inusual drenaje de los patrones venosos del lado izquierda de la cara. La vena temporal superficial se unía con la vena maxilar formando la vena retromandibular dentro del parénquima de la glándula parótida izquierda. La división anterior de la vena retromandibular se unió a la vena facial formando la vena facial común la cual drenó directamente en la vena subclavia izquierda. El conocimiento de estas variaciones es importante para los cirujanos de cabeza y cuello. A menudo, las venas faciales se injertan en la endarterectomía carotídea.

Drenaje de las Venas Facial, Lingual y Tiroidea Superior en el Hombre / Drainage of Facial, Lingual and Superior Thyroid Veins in Humans

La gran diversidad de descripciones acerca de las afluencias de las venas facial, lingual y tiroidea superior en el hombre, estas presentan una serie de controversias entre los autores investigados. Buscando ofrecer un patrón para la formación de troncos venosos a partir de las referidas venas, los autores realizaron la disecación de 42 faces laterales del cuello de cadáveres humanos adultos, de ambos sexos, con edades variadas y fijados en formaldehido a 10%. Se observó la formación de troncos venosos en 59,5% de los casos, habiendo ocurrido formación del tronco tiroilingofacial en 38,1%, del tronco lingofacial en 14,2%, del tronco tiroilingual en 4,8% y del tronco tiroilingofaringofacial en apenas 2,4%. No fue encontrada la formación del tronco tiroifacial descrito en la literatura. En los 40,5% de los casos en los que no hubo formación de troncos venosos, las venas presentaron desembocaduras solitarias.

Despite the great diversity of descriptions concerning the inflows of the facial, lingual and superior thyroid veins in man, they present important controversies between the studied authors. Aiming to supply a pattern for the formation of venous trunks by the cited veins, the authors analyzed 42 lateral faces of dissected adult human cadavers of both genders, different ages and preserved in a 10% solution of formaldehyde. The study revealed the formation of venous trunks in 59,5% of the cases, the thyroid-lingual-facial trunk appears in 38,1%, the lingual-facial trunk in 14,2%, the thyroid-lingual trunk in 4,8% and the thyroid-lingual-pharyngeal-facial trunk in just 2,4%. It was not found the formation of thyroid-facial trunk described in the analyzed literature. 40,5% of the cases appears with no venous trunk formation, in those situations the veins end alone.