Analysis of depressions indicative of dural venous sinuses within the intracranial cavities of skull bases

This study aimed to examine the anatomical variations and morphometric characteristics of the sulci in the dural venous sinuses within the intracranial cavity, with a particular focus on sex differences and asymmetry.

Thirty fixed cadaveric heads were used to measure the dimensions (length, width, and depth) and spatial relationships of the dural venous sinus sulci within the intracranial cavity, including the distance to the midline, distance to each other, and lateral margin of the skull. Comparisons were made between sexes and sides of the body.

A significant difference was observed in the length of the marginal sinus on the right side between sexes (p = 0.028). Various measurements, including the width of the transverse sinus, origin and insertion sites of the superior petrosal sinus, and distances between the sinuses and midline, showed statistically significant differences between the left and right sides (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the width of the inferior petrosal sinus and depth of the sigmoid sinus were notably higher on the right side (p < 0.05).

The results suggest an asymmetric distribution of the sigmoid, superior/inferior petrosal, and transverse sinuses in terms of diameter and distance from the midline. Surgeons should consider these anatomical variations during procedures in this region.