Interpeduncular cistern

Last revised by Derek Smith on 3 Apr 2022

The interpeduncular cistern is an unpaired CSF-filled subarachnoid cistern located between the cerebral peduncles.

It is partially bounded by the leaves of the Liliequist membrane, one of the arachnoid membranes, which separate it from its direct cranial and caudal relations1.

The interpeduncular cistern also has limiting borders.

This cistern contains a number of structures including the proximal portion of the oculomotor nerves (CN III), the distal basilar artery, the origin of the posterior cerebral arteries (and thalamoperforating arteries) as well as the origin of the superior cerebellar arteries. Depending on the posterior limit of the diencephalic membrane this space can also be said to communicate with the suprasellar cistern contents (the mammillary bodies4.

Related pathology

  • subarachnoid hemorrhage - as the interpeduncular cistern is a dependent space in the supine position, small volume subarachnoid hemorrhage may be detected here

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Cases and figures

  • Figure 1
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  • Case 1: labeled 31
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