Sex Differences in the Frequencies of the Anatomical Variations of the Dural Venous Sinuses: A Cerebral MRV-Based Study on the Adult Bengali Bangladeshis

Background: The dural venous sinuses show different types of normal variations in their anatomy as well as involvement with various neurovascular conditions. Cerebral MRV is a well-established radiological technique to visualize the dural venous system. By measuring the sinus dimensions and calculating the indices, the variations of the dural venous system can be assessed in cerebral MRV images. Most of the variations have been detected in the superior sagittal, transverse and sigmoid venous sinuses. These variations have also been reported to differ between two sexes. Moreover, ethnic influence on the variations has also been implicated. However, no study has so far been carried out on this topic in the Bengali Bangladeshi population. Objectives: To explore sex differences in the percentage frequencies in the anatomical variations of the superior sagittal, transverse and sigmoid dural venous sinuses in normal cerebral MRV of adult Bengali Bangladeshis. Materias and Methods: The research was cross-sectional and observational in nature, having both descriptive and analytical components. Thirty five adult males and 35 adult females, who attended in the Department of Neuroradiology & Imaging, NINS & H, for cerebral MRV and diagnosed as having normal dural venous sinuses without any pathology by a registered Neuroradiologist were the participants of this research. The MRV scans were produced by using 3 Tesla magnetic field strength following the routine standard protocols of the institution. By using the Radiant DICOM Viewer software, the anatomical variations were assessed and sex differences among the percentage frequencies of the variations were evaluated. Results: Bilaterally symmetrical transverse and sigmoid sinuses, left sided hypoplastic and aplastic transverse and sigmoid sinuses were found more in males than in females. Rostral hypoplasia of the superior sagittal sinus and hypoplasia of the right transverse sinus were more in females than in males. But none of these differences were in significant level. Conclusion: To reach in a conclusive finding, research on a larger scale is essential and the findings of this research can contribute to develop a database of Bengali Bangladeshi regarding sex differences in the percentage frequencies of the anatomical variations of the dural venous sinuses. J Enam Med Col 2023; 13(3): 90-97