Anatomic Study on Sphenoidal Emissary Foramen by Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Bayrak S., Kurşun-Çakmak E. Ş., ATAKAN C., ORHAN K.

Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, vol.29, no.5, 2018 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 29 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2018
  • Doi Number: 10.1097/scs.0000000000004492
  • Journal Name: Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Keywords: Cone-beam computed tomography, foramen vesalius, sphenoid bone, sphenoidal emissary foramen
  • Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Copyright © 2018 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.Objectives: The goal of this retrospective study is to evaluate the radiologic anatomy of sphenoidal emissary foramen (SEF) by using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Methods: Three hundred seventeen (189 female and 128 male) full-head CBCT images were evaluated in this study. Incidence, diameter, shape, confluence to foramen ovale, and distance to anatomic structures of SEF were noted. Results: In the 317 analyzed images, the SEF was identified in 89 (28.1%) images. Of these, 67 (21.1%) were unilateral, 22 were (6.9%) bilateral. The maximum mean diameter of SEF was measured 2.66mm on the right side and 2.82mm on the left side (P=0.16). The most observed SEF shape was oval with the incidence of 68.5% (P ≤ 0.05). Confluence was observed in 23.4% of SEF whereof 84.6% were in the left side (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Observations in this study tender new anatomic parameters regarding SEF incidence, characteristics, and distances to proximate anatomic structures. Knowledge related to SEF variations will be helpful for neurosurgeons and radiologist.