The pharyngovertebral veins

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Abstract
Non-traumatic subluxation of the atlanto-axial joint following peripharyngeal inflammation (Grisel's syndrome) has been attributed to laxity of the transverse ligament caused by hyperemia, but a satisfactory anatomical rationale for the association of these conditions has been lacking. Injection of the cervical epidural sinuses of a series of human perinatal cadavera showed retrograde filling of a previously undescribed system of veins with frequent lymphovenous anastomoses. This system appears to drain the posterosuperior pharyngeal region. Clinical Relevance: 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.

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