Transverse pontine vein

Last revised by Joachim Feger on 23 Dec 2021

The transverse pontine veins course in a horizontal fashion along the anterior surface of the pons at different heights above or below the trigeminal nerve.

Gross anatomy

The transverse pontine veins connect the anterior pontomesencephalic vein to the veins on the lateral pontine surface including the lateral mesencephalic vein and the superior petrosal vein 1,2. Occasionally they also drain into the cavernous sinus or inferior petrosal sinus 2.

Clinical importance

The transverse pontine veins might be involved in the drainage of brainstem arteriovenous malformations 3 or dural arteriovenous fistulas. They have also been an uncommon cause for neurovascular compression in trigeminal neuralgia 4,5.

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