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Sphenoparietal Sinus

sinus sphenoparietalis

The sphenoparietal sinus runs beneath the lesser wing of the sphenoid along the sphenoid ridge, draining the anterior middle cranial fossa meninges, the frontal lobe inferior surface, and the anterior temporal pole. It drains anteriorly into the anterior cavernous sinus. It receives the middle meningeal vein and connects the middle meningeal venous system to the cavernous sinus.

Region: Head & Skull

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The sphenoparietal sinus is the conduit through which middle meningeal vein flow drains to the cavernous sinus. Epidural haematoma in the anterior temporal region involves the middle meningeal artery and vein system at this level. The sinus is identified during anterior middle fossa craniotomy and pterional craniotomy as it runs beneath the inner table of the lesser sphenoid wing. Damage to the sphenoparietal sinus during craniotomy requires packing or bipolar coagulation.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Sphenoparietal Sinus Injury in Pterional Craniotomy

The pterional craniotomy for aneurysm and skull base surgery crosses the sphenoparietal sinus at the inner sphenoid ridge; inadvertent sinus opening causes venous haemorrhage managed by bone wax or bipolar coagulation with care to avoid cavernous sinus involvement.