The pharyngovertebral veins: an anatomical rationale for Grisel's syndrome.

Abstract

Because of their direct connection with the periodontoidal venous plexus and the suboccipital epidural sinuses, the pharyngovertebral veins may provide a hematogenous route for the transport of peripharyngeal septic exudates and neoplastic cells to the upper cervical spinal structures and provide an anatomical explanation for the atlanto-axial hyperemia of Grisel's syndrome.