Effect of head turning on blood flow in lateral sinuses of nonhuman primates.

The pattern of blood flow leaving the cranium via the lateral sinuses and internal jugular veins is significantly altered by head rotation. This effect is documented in the baboon and macaque monkey by Doppler flow recording and by angiography. This phenomenon may affect the validity of cerebral blood flow data determined by venous sampling and may have significance in angiographic interpretation and in the clinical course of patients with a hypoplastic or occluded lateral sinus or internal jugular vein.