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The suprapineal recess of the third ventricle: an anatomic study with magnetic resonance imaging

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Abstract

Purpose

The suprapineal recess (SPR) is a small, backward extension of the third ventricle. Few radiological studies have investigated the morphology of the SPR. Here, we explore the SPR with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.

Methods

A total of 124 patients underwent thin-slice MR imaging examinations with T2-weighted imaging and the constructive interference steady-state (CISS) sequence. Imaging data were transferred to a workstation for analysis.

Results

The pineal gland (P) was delineated in 99% of the patients on T2-weighted imaging and 100% of the patients on the CISS sequence. In contrast, the SPR was identified in 27% of the patients on T2-weighted imaging and 82% of the patients on the CISS sequence. The location of the P relative to the lowest point of the splenium was roughly classified into two types. Of them, the anterior P location was the more frequent type and observed in 73% of the patients. The angle formed by the roof and floor of the SPR showed remarkable interindividual diversity. A membranous posterior extension with variable length, spanning between the posterosuperior margin of the P and Galenic complex was found in 55% of the identified SPRs on T2-weighted imaging and 45% on the CISS sequence.

Conclusions

The SPR is a distinct structure with diversity in appearance among individuals but commonly extends posterior to the P. High-resolution MR imaging is useful for delineating the SPR in vivo.

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Acknowledgements

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    Authors and Affiliations

    1. Department of Neurological Surgery, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, 2-1-1 Tomioka, Urayasu, Chiba, 279-0021, Japan

      Satoshi Tsutsumi & Yukimasa Yasumoto

    2. Division of Radiological Technology, Medical Satellite Yaesu Clinic, Tokyo, Japan

      Hideo Ono

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    1. Satoshi Tsutsumi
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    2. Hideo Ono
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    3. Yukimasa Yasumoto
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    Correspondence to Satoshi Tsutsumi.

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    The authors have no conflict of interest concerning the materials or methods in this study or the findings specified in this paper.

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    Satoshi Tsutsumi, Hideo Ono, and Yukimasa Yasumoto contributed equally to the study.

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    Tsutsumi, S., Ono, H. & Yasumoto, Y. The suprapineal recess of the third ventricle: an anatomic study with magnetic resonance imaging. Surg Radiol Anat 39, 725–730 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-016-1794-7

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-016-1794-7

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