Reversal of emissary vein blood flow in achondroplastic dwarfs

Mueller, Shirley M. M. D.
Reinertson, John E. M. D.

Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN (Dr. Mueller), and the Medical Education program, Cedar Rapids, IA (Dr. Reinerteon).

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Mueller, Regenstrief Center, 4th Floor, Indiana

University, 1001 West 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202.

Accepted for publication October 15, 1979.

Neurology 30(7):p 769-772, July 1980.

Article abstract

We used a noninvasive technique—the directional Doppler examination—to determine the direction of flow in an emissary vein of achondroplastic dwarfs. Normally, the direction of flow in this emiseary vein is into the orbit. The direction of flow in all 10 achondroplastic dwarfs whom we studied was away from the orbit. This indicates that ophthalmic vein blood flow is reversed in achondroplastic dwarfs, perhaps because there is a pressure gradient between the intracranial and extracranial venous systems.