Morphometry of the superior ophthalmic vein unaffected by dilating factors

Abstract

Context: Data on the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) dilation captivate the attention of neurologists as an early sign of several neurovascular disease manifestations, but measurements vary widely in publications. Aims: This study attempts to shed light on disparate data and develop more stringent criteria for determining the dilation of these veins. Settings and Design: To this end, 44 orbits of 25 formalin-embalmed human cadavers without risk factors for SOV dilation were dissected. Materials and Methods: The SOV branching pattern and length were photographed, and multiple segments were analyzed microscopically, histologically, and statistically. Statistical Analysis Used: Simple descriptive statistics as well as linear regression were used to compare the data. Results: The mean SOV diameter was 2.05 ± 0.7 mm. Other morphometric findings included the presence of valves and an unreported branching pattern of the SOV. Conclusion: Knowledge of the mean diameter serves as a diagnostic reference to help recognize SOV dilation, while the unreported variation of SOV (trifurcation at the exit point) may have implications in neurosurgery when using this vein to approach the cavernous sinus.

Keywords

• carotid-cavernous sinus fistula
• superior ophthalmic vein
• superior ophthalmic vein diameter
• superior ophthalmic vein dilation
• superior ophthalmic vein tunics