| Sinus
pericranii is a rare vascular
birthmark condition.
Normally, there is no obvious
communication between the
intracranial and extracranial venous
drainages in the head. In patients
with sinus pericranii, there is an
abnormal communication, either from
the extracranial system to the
intracranial venous sinuses or from
the intracranial venous system to
the extracranial draining veins.
 |
|
1st
image is a photo showing a
small venous malformation in
the forehead in a patient with
proven sinus pericranii
vascular anomaly. 2st image is
an arteriogram showing
intracranial vascular
anomalies and opacification of
the extracranial venous
malformation in the forehead
region. |
Although
a classic presentation of this
condition is bluish skin
discoloration or vascular birthmark
on the midline forehead region, this
condition is usually associated with
large extensive vascular anomalies
of the head and neck.
The
Importance of this condition
is unclear; however, it is
speculated that it may cause
significant problems related to
abnormal drainage pattern and/or
weakness of the bony skull in the
diseased area.
Treatment
of this condition
is also unclear at this point. The
general approach to these patients
is to treat the extracranial
vascular anomaly which is usually a
venous malformation (commonly
referred to as “cavernous
hemangioma”) and to increase the
stability of the bony skull
surgically if needed. The venous
drainage pattern of the intracranial
circulation should be studied
carfully before any attempts are
made to treat the extracranial
vascular lesion.
|
