Review of granulationes arachnoideae anatomy using magnetic resonance venography

Cerebrospinal fluid in spatium subarachnoideum is mainly absorbed by granulationes arachnoideae. Granulationes arachnoideae, are protrusions of the arachnoid mater into the sinus durae matris and they are formed by hypertrophy of the arachnoid villi. Our aim in this study is to benefit from modern imaging methods and obtain information on the location, number and shapes of granulationes arachnoideae. The information will serve as a guide for clinicians to reduce the possibility of confusion between granulationes arachnoideae and dural sinus diseases. In the study, brain MRV and MRIs of 500 people were examined. The venous system of the brain and surrounding structures was observed. The granulationes arachnoideae within them were evaluated on the raw images obtained with the 4D TRAK MRV technique and the MIP images obtained from these raw images. Additionally, the granulationes arachnoideae found were confirmed on T2A, T1A and contrast-enhanced axial T1 images. Seventy-three of the 500 individuals examined in the study were not included in the study due to various reasons affecting the sinuses. Granulationes arachnoideae was found in 217 (50.8%) of 427 individuals participating in the study. A total of 462 granulationes arachnoideae were identified in our study. These were located in the sinus sagittalis superior, sinus transversus, sinus rectus and sinus sagittalis inferior, in order of frequency. The granulationes arachnoideae detected were generally round or oval in shape. No significant relationship was found between age and the number of granulationes arachnoideae. In conclusion, we think that the information we have obtained will lead to better recognition of granulationes arachnoideae and will be a guide to prevent confusion with dural sinus diseases. Keywords: Granulationes arachnoideae, sinus durae matris, magnetic resonance venography.