Main anatomical features of the calcarine sulcus: a 3D magnetic resonance imaging at 3T study.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study was to determine the main anatomical features of the calcarine sulcus using a 3-T MRI.

METHODS

Fifty human brains have been explored using an MRI 3-T in Doctors Center in Beirut (Lebanon).

RESULTS

The calcarine sulcus was identified in 100% of cases. In most cases, it had a continuous aspect with several peaks. In all our specimens, the calcarine sulcus crosses the parieto-occipital fissure. The majority of their collateral branches and their connections with other sulci were located at the level of the calcarine sulcus properly. In the majority of specimens, the deepest part of the anterior calcarine sulcus forms a protrusion in the occipital horn of the lateral ventricle called calcar avis.

CONCLUSION

Our study emphasizes the fact that the course patterns of the calcarine sulcus are highly variable. The description of the main anatomical features of the calcarine sulcus obtained from our study can be used as a reference for fMRI exploration and is useful for brain surgery.