The quadrigeminal cistern is the subarachnoid space posterior to the midbrain tectum (quadrigeminal plate), bounded by the splenium of the corpus callosum superiorly and the vermis of the cerebellum inferiorly. It contains the vein of Galen and its tributaries (basal veins of Rosenthal, internal cerebral veins), the trochlear nerves (CN IV), and the quadrigeminal arteries from the PCA. The pineal gland projects into this space from the posterior third ventricle.
| Location | Behind the midbrain tectum, below the splenium of the corpus callosum and above the cerebellar vermis |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Connections |
|
| Blood Supply | Posterior cerebral artery branches; Superior cerebellar artery |
Surrounds the deep venous drainage of the brain behind the midbrain. Pineal tumours and arachnoid cysts here can block the cerebral aqueduct.
The quadrigeminal cistern is the site of pineal gland tumours (germinoma, pineocytoma, pineoblastoma) that compress the superior colliculi producing Parinaud syndrome (impaired upgaze, convergence-retraction nystagmus, light-near dissociation). Vein of Galen malformations arise within this cistern and present in neonates with high-output cardiac failure from the arteriovenous shunt. Arachnoid cysts in the quadrigeminal cistern produce obstructive hydrocephalus from aqueductal compression and tectal plate distortion.
Pineal region tumour expanding into the quadrigeminal cistern compresses the superior colliculi and cerebral aqueduct producing Parinaud syndrome and obstructive hydrocephalus; stereotactic biopsy confirms the tumour type and CSF tumour markers (AFP, beta-HCG) guide the decision between upfront chemoradiotherapy for germinoma versus surgical resection for non-germinomatous tumours.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
