Pneumatisation patterns surrounding the internal acoustic meatus.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and anatomical patterns of temporal bone pneumatisation surrounding the internal acoustic meatus (IAM), specifically across its three anatomical regions: the porus acusticus internus (medial opening), the proper IAM (tubular midportion), and the fundus (lateral end). A secondary objective was to evaluate the association between pneumatisation and the thickness of the overlying tegmen in each region.

Methods: A total of 160 IAMs (80 patients, bilateral assessment) were analyzed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Details of rare and novel anatomical variations in a case with bilateral long styloid processes.

Anatomical vascular variants are frequently reported; however, their broader anatomical context and potential associations with additional variations are often overlooked. This case report presents a unique combination of multiple rare and novel cervical vascular anatomical variants identified in a single patient, thereby highlighting the importance of comprehensive anatomical assessment. A 64-year-old female patient underwent a computed tomography angiography, during which several unexpected anatomical variants were identified: bilaterally elongated styloid processes, with differing ossified segments; bilateral internal jugular vein (IJV) compression at the atlas transverse processes, consistent with jugular nutcracker syndrome; and bilateral Launay's external carotid veins, which drained into the IJVs and communicated via the prevertebral venous plexus.

A condylar imprint of Farabeuf's knocker and associated cervical variants.

Different head and neck anatomical structures, such as the temporomandibular joint, carotid arteries and their branches, styloid process, hyoid and thyroid cartilage, are subjected to anatomical variations. A range of novel and rare anatomical variants were found during the anatomical exploration of a DICOM file. The archived angioCT file of a 63-year-old male was examined anatomically.

The Sensory Gatekeeper of the Larynx: Anatomy and Clinical Importance of the Internal Branch of the Superior Laryngeal Nerve.

The internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (IbSLN) plays a critical role in the sensory innervation of the supraglottic larynx. It is essential for protective reflexes such as coughing and swallowing. This nerve is frequently at risk during surgeries involving the cervical region, including thyroidectomy, carotid endarterectomy, and anterior cervical spine procedures.

The Connection Between Canine Fossa Topography and Facial Morphology.

This study investigates the canine fossa (CF) topography relative to the maxillary sinus and nasal fossa and examines its association with facial types, focusing on side and gender. One hundred CBCT scans were analysed bilaterally at the first (PM1) and second (PM2) premolar levels. The CF was classified according to its anatomical relationship with adjacent structures: type 1, where the CF lies predominantly lateral to the maxillary sinus; type 2, where it is lateral to the nasal fossa; and type 3, where the CF is positioned lateral to the nasal fossa inferiorly and to the maxillary sinus superiorly.

Detailed Anatomy of a Pterygomandibular Ankylosis.

Pterygomandibular ankylosis is a rare condition where a bony fusion occurs between the pterygoid plate (either lateral or medial) and the ramus of the mandible. This fusion results in reduced mandibular mobility due to an extracapsular abnormality, representing a form of pseudoankylosis. In a retrospective analysis, the computed angiogram of an adult male case revealed an incomplete pterygomandibular bony fusion on the right side.

The parapharyngeal vein-an accessory communication between the middle cerebral veins and the internal jugular vein: a case report.

Purpose: The superficial middle cerebral vein (SMCV) typically drains into the cavernous sinus, which, in turn, connects to the pterygoid venous plexus via a sphenoidal emissary vein. The latter may course through the foramen ovale. The pterygoid plexus drains in most cases into the retromandibular and facial veins.

The Potential Morphological Stenosis Pattern of the Arcuate Foramen.

: The arcuate foramen (AF), an osseous foramen, is probably formatted from the ossification of the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane. When this morphologically ossified variant exists, it encloses the vertebral artery (VA) third segment (V3). This close relationship may cause compression to the VA with concomitant vertebrobasilar insufficiency, vertigo, headaches, or neck pain.

Aberrant courses of the occipital artery.

Purpose: The occipital artery (OA), typically arising from the external carotid artery (ECA), usually courses deep to the posterior belly of the digastric muscle as it ascends toward the skull base. While variations in the height of origin from the ECA are known, aberrant courses of the OA have not been previously documented.

Methods: This study presents a four-case series identified through retrospective analysis of archived CT angiograms involving three female and one male patient, aged between 57 and 66.

Retropharyngeal course of the superior thyroid artery - a novel finding.

Purpose: The anatomical variables of the superior thyroid artery (STA) are well-studied. It typically leaves the external carotid artery (ECA) and descends on the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle to reach the thyroid lobe. We serendipitously found a novel possibility: the bilateral retropharyngeal course of the STA, which we report here.

A novel perspective on geniculate ganglion fossa: Cone beam computed tomography analysis of pneumatization and dehiscence.

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and patterns of geniculate ganglion fossa (GGF) pneumatization, as well as the dehiscence and thickness of its tegmen, while evaluating their anatomical correlations. The assessment was conducted using two coronal planes aligned with the histological division of the GGF.

Methods: Seventy cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans (140 sides) were analyzed.

Foramen ovale morphology and relationship with the lateral pterygoid process plate: proposal for a new classification system.

Surgeons frequently approach the foramen ovale (FO) via the infratemporal fossa (ITF) to treat trigeminal neuralgia. However, this percutaneous procedure could be unsuccessful due to anatomical factors. The present study aimed to assess the FO morphology and its relationship with the lateral pterygoid process plate (LPPP), emphasizing coexisting ITF variants.

The transoccipital parasigmoid canal of the vertebral artery through a vestige of the occipital vertebra.

Purpose: The vertebral artery (VA) typically courses through the foramen magnum to enter the posterior cranial fossa. A transosseous course of the VA through the lateral part of the occipital bone is an unexpected finding. Such an anomaly of the VA is reported here.

Mastoid pouch of the sigmoid sinus- an extraordinary anatomical variant.

Purpose: The dural sigmoid sinus (SS) is a major surgical landmark. It is aimed to report an extraordinary and clinically significant anatomical variation- the mastoid pouch of the SS, which replaces the mastoid air cells.

Method: The archived angioCT file of a 45 y.

Beyond two heads: An imaging-based analysis of the lateral pterygoid muscle's heads.

Background: The lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) is crucial for masticatory function but exhibits significant anatomical variability that challenges traditional anatomical views. Advanced imaging techniques have revealed these variations, necessitating a reevaluation of the LPM's structure.

Purpose: To categorize variations in the number of LPM heads and their relationship with the maxillary artery, aiming to improve the understanding of orofacial anatomy and move beyond simplified anatomical models.

Discriminating between the maxillary tuberosity and the alveolar tuberosity- a critical pictorial review.

Purpose: The maxillary tuberosity, a critical anatomical landmark in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery, is burdened by terminological confusion. This inconsistency hampers clinical practice and communication across disciplines.

Method: Different resources were used to argue for the necessity of standardising the terminology related to maxillary tuberosity to enhance diagnostic precision and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Debate on the Morphological Variability of the Lateral Pterygoid Muscle-Discrepancies, Speculations and New Original Anatomical Samples.

The lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM), a critical component of the masticatory muscles, typically comprises upper (SLPM) and lower (ILPM) heads. However, it is essential to note that the LPM's structure is not a constant feature, as the number of bundles and their topography can vary. Moreover, additional heads, such as medial and middle heads, and unique-headed configurations of the LPM have been reported.

A new anatomical finding: the paramastoid diverticulum of the sigmoid sinus.

Purpose: The sigmoid sinus (SS) is a major surgical landmark. The paramastoid process (PMP) occurs rarely. Inferior diverticula of the SS were not found or reported previously.

A case of occipital artery originating from the vertebral artery.

Anomalies of the vertebral artery (VA) and its branches are rare but critical in neurovascular procedures. In a 38-year-old female, digital subtraction angiography revealed an anomalous origin of the occipital artery (OA) from the V3 segment of the left VA, with a tortuous course supplying the neck and scalp. Below the OA's origin, the suboccipital artery of Salmon arose, bifurcating into two branches.

Long linguofacial trunk with infrahyoid origin.

The linguofacial trunk (LFT) is the conjoined origin of the lingual (LA) and facial (FA) arteries. We present an uncommon case of LFT due to its origin, length, and diameter. The computed tomography angiogram of an adult male case was evaluated.

The Occipital Recess of the Sphenoidal Sinus-A Novel Anatomical Possibility.

There are reported here multiple rare anatomical variants of the sphenoidal sinus found in a 53-year-old male. The sinus exhibited uncommon features, including a prominent occipital recess extending bilaterally into the basilar part of the occipital bone. A narrow posterior isthmus connected the main chamber to 2 recesses: a superior postsellar recess pneumatising the dorsum sellae, and a postero-inferior occipital recess.

When the Jugular Bulb Contacts the Facial Nerve.

Dehiscences of the intrapetrous canal of the facial nerve (FN) and those of a high jugular bulb (HJB) have various incidences. However, the HJB-FN common dehiscent osseous wall is a scarce finding and rarely reported. Thus, this work aimed to study this peculiar intrapetrous morphology on computed tomograms (CTs).

The lingual and facial arteries' common origin: a systematic review with meta-analysis and a computed tomography angiography study.

Purpose: The present evidence-based systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to investigate the fusion morphology of the lingual artery and facial artery (in the form of the linguofacial trunk-LFT) pooled prevalence and morphometry. After carefully investigating the data literature, a retrospective computed tomography angiography (CTA) study was performed to investigate a few parameters that were not well-studied.

Materials: An evidence-based systematic review retrieved 41 studies that met our inclusion criteria to identify the LFT pooled prevalence.