The Sylvian fissure, cistern and arachnoid membrane

Abstract

Purpose. The Sylvian (or lateral) fissure is an important structure that has both pathophysiological and microneurosurgical significance. The aims of this review were to revisit the anatomy of the Sylvian fissure and cistern and its overlying arachnoid membrane, and to review its role in the treatment of various surgical pathological lesions. Methods. For the most part, a PubMed search was used in obtaining English abstracts and full-text references for this article. The criterion for inclusion of an article in the references for this review was that it included materials about the anatomical or the clinical properties of the Sylvian fissure, cistern and arachnoid membrane. The relevant books were also used in obtaining supplementary citations. Results. The review presented the anatomy and disease states associated with the Sylvian fissure. Conclusions. A good knowledge of the anatomy of the Sylvian fissure, cistern and its associated arachnoid mater is crucial in the proper diagnosis and neurosurgical management of various pathological conditions.

Keywords::

• arachnoid membrane
• arachnoid cyst
• lateral fissure
• Sylvian cistern
• Sylvian fissure

Acknowledgements

The author is grateful to Dr. C. Haluk Ince, Director of the Council of Forensic Medicine, and Dr. Keramettin Kurt, former Director of the Council of Forensic Medicine, and would like to thank Dr. Rifat Ozdemirel and all the staff in the autopsy room of the National Forensic Institute of Ministry of Justice for providing the cadaver brain pictures used in this article. The author would also like to thank veterinary physician and radiology technician Osman Aydin Kara for his technical help in obtaining the neuroradiological pictures in this article.

Declaration of interest: The author reports no declarations of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.