The lateral temporal vein: a cadaver, CT and MRI study.

The author studied a superficial temporal vein, the "lateral temporal vein", which runs over the superior, middle and inferior temporal gyri on the lateral surface of the temporal lobe, and in front of the inferior anostomatic vein of Labbé. A search for this vein was undertaken in 20 cadavers, 200 CT and 200 MRI studies. The lateral temporal vein was present on both sides in 80% of cadavers, and seen on one or both sides in 0.5% of the CT studies, and in 24% of those using MRI. Although recognition of the lateral temporal vein appears to be of interest mainly from an anatomical perspective, it may be mistaken for a venous malformation on CT or MRI, especially when it is prominent and seen unilaterally.