Abordaje transcervical en el síndrome de Eagle. Reporte de caso clínico / Transcervical Approach in Eagle Syndrome. Clinical Case Report

Resumen El síndrome de Eagle es una enfermedad rara responsable de múltiples síntomas de cabeza y cuello, resultado de un alargamiento del proceso estiloideo u osificación del ligamento estilohioideo comprimiendo estructuras neurovasculares adyacentes, hay dos variantes, el clásico caracterizado principalmente por dolor y disfagia y la variante carotídea distinguido con dolor y en ocasiones isquemia cerebral. Describimos un reporte de caso clínico de un paciente femenino de 45 años, quien experimentaba dolor cervical de lado izquierdo, realizando el protocolo completo de dolor miofascial del Hospital Regional General Ignacio Zaragoza ISSSTE de la Ciudad de México, el estudio de tomografía computada evidenció una elongación de 50mm del proceso estiloideo, confirmando el diagnóstico, enfocando el artículo en la descripción anatómico-quirúrgica.

Abstract Eagle syndrome is a rare disease responsible for multiple head and neck symptoms, resulting from an elongation of the styloid process or ossification of the stylohyoid ligament compressing adjacent neurovascular structures. There are two variants, the classic one characterized mainly by pain and dysphagia and the carotid variant distinguished with pain and sometimes cerebral ischemia. We describe a clinical case report of a 45-year-old female patient, who experienced left cervical pain, performing the complete myofascial pain protocol of the Regional Hospital "General Ignacio Zaragoza" ISSSTE in Mexico City, resulting in a 50mm elongation of the styloid process in the CT scan, confirming the diagnosis, and focusing the article on the anatomical-surgical description.

Effect of internal carotid artery aberrations on the distance between styloid process and carotid artery / Efecto de las variaciones de la arteria carótida interna en la distancia entre el proceso estiloides y la arteria carótida

SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of the variations of carotid artery course on the relationship between styloid process (SP) and internal carotid artery (ICA). Carotid CT angiography scans of 170 patients were retrospectively evaluated. The variability of the course of ICA were classified. The length and medial angulation of the SP were measured on coronal 3D images. On axial images, the shortest distance between the bone edge of the SP and ICA were measured. The distance between SP and ICA among the course patterns of carotid artery were compared statistically. In the comparison of distances between SP and ICA with respect to the course of ICA, the difference between straight and curving (p <0.001) was statistically significant. Curving caused the separation of ICA and SP. The highest and the shortest distance was at the curving and coiling group, respectively. We found that SP-ICA distance has a positive and negative correlation with SP angle (p<0.001) and SP length (p<0.001), respectively. The course of ICA is one of the major determinants affecting the relationship of ICA and SP. The curving pattern of ICA has a tendency to increase the distance between SP and ICA.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el rol de las variaciones que tiene el curso de la arteria carótida en la relación entre el proceso estiloides (PE) y la arteria carótida interna (ACI). Se evaluaron retrospectivamente angiografías por tomografía computarizada carotídea de 170 pacientes. Se clasificó la variabilidad del curso de ACI. Se midieron en imágenes coronales y en 3D la longitud y la angulación medial del PE. En las imágenes axiales, se midió la distancia más corta entre el margen del PE y la ACI. Se comparó estadísticamente la distancia entre PE y la ACI entre los patrones de trayecto de la arteria carótida. La comparación de las distancias entre PE y la ACI respecto al curso de ACI, fue estadísticamente significativa, siendo la diferencia entre arterias recta y curva (p <0,001). La arteria curva provocó la separación de la ACI y del PE. Las mayores y menores distancias estaban en el grupo de arterias curvas y enrolladas, respectivamente. La distancia PE-ACI tiene una correlación positiva y negativa con el ángulo PE (p <0,001) y la longitud del PE (p <0,001), respectivamente. El curso de la arteria carótida interna es uno de los principales determinantes que afectan la relación con el proceso estiloides. El patrón de curva de la ACI tiende a aumentar la distancia entre PE y la propia arteria arteria.

Mineralización del complejo estilohioideo en una población de Cuenca-Ecuador / Mineralization of the stylohyoid complex in a population from Cuenca-Ecuador

RESUMEN El complejo estilohioideo es una estructura ósea y ligamentosa, formada por varias entidades anatómicas como: la apófisis estiloides, el ligamento estilohioideo y el cuerno menor del hioides. La apófisis estiloides se origina en la porción timpánica del hueso temporal y mide en promedio 25 mm; en ocasiones puede encontrarse aumentada en longitud, situación que puede o no manifestarse con dolor. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de mineralización del complejo estilohioideo de pacientes de Ecuador mediante radiografías panorámicas digitales. Material y Métodos: Para ello se analizaron 2025 radiografías panorámicas digitales de pacientes de ambos sexos, de edades entre 12 a 92 años, del período comprendido entre los años 2015-2016. Se consideró como complejo estilohioideo mineralizado, cuando este sobrepasaba los 25mm. Resultados: Se observaron 2025 radiografías panorámicas,de las cuales 1206 (59,6%) radiografías, mostraron algún tipo de mineralización del complejo estilohioideo. De estas 1288 (63,6%) pertenecen al sexo femenino y 737 (36,4%) al sexo masculino. La presentación más frecuente fue bilateral. Además, se encontró que en los adultos mayores la prevalencia alcanzaba el 76%. Conclusiones: En el presente estudio se muestra que existe una alta prevalencia de mineralización del complejo estilohioideo en la población estudiada.

SUMMARY The stylohyoid complex is a bony and ligamentous structure, formed by several anatomical entities such as the styloid process, the stylohyoid ligament and the horn of the hyoid. The styloid process originates in the tympanic portion of the temporal bone and measures an average of 25 mm; sometimes it may be increased in length, a situation that may or may not have pain itself. Objective: To determine the prevalence of mineralization of the stylohyoid complex of patients at the country of Ecuador using digital panoramic radiographs. Material and methods: Analysis of 2025 digital panoramic radiographs of patients of both sexes, between 12 and 92 years of age, from the period 2015-2016. It was considered as mineralized stylohyoid complex, when it exceeded 25mm. Results: Of the 2025 panoramic radiographs, it was concluded that 1206 (59.6%) radiographs showed some type of mineralization of the stylohyoid complex. Of these 1288 (63.6%) belong to the female sex and 737 (36.4%) to the male sex. The most frequent presentation was bilateral. In addition, it was found that in older adults the prevalence reached 76%. Conclusions: In the present study it is shown that there is a high prevalence of mineralization of the stylohyoid complex in the population studied.

Ictus isquémico y disección bilateral de la arteria carótida interna: una manifestación rara del síndrome de eagle: reporte de un caso / Ischemic stroke and bilateral dissection of the internal carotid artery: a rare manifestation of the eagle syndrome: a case report

RESUMEN Un síndrome caracterizado por dolor cervical y un apófisis estiloides alargado fue descrito por primera vez por Watt Eagle en 1937. Aunque el síndrome de Eagle en su variante vascular es raro y no es reconocido como causa clara de disección carotídea, en los últimos años ha sido reportado un incremento del número de casos de disección carotídea causada por una apófisis estiloides alargada. Paciente de 56 años que acudió al servicio de urgencias por paresia facial izquierda aguda y habla confusa. Presentaba dolor cervical de dos días de evolución, relacionado con un ataque de tos. Se activó el código ictus y la tomografía computarizada (TC) mostró isquemia del lóbulo temporal derecho y disección bilateral de la arteria carótida interna. La angio-TC de los troncos supraaórticos con reconstrucción tridimensional, identificó una apófisis estiloides alargado en ambos lados. El paciente fue sometido a una angioplastía con colocación de dos stents. Debido al alto riesgo de padecer nuevo ictus, se decidió realizar tratamiento quirúrgico. Para el lado derecho se realizó un abordaje transoral y en el izquierdo un abordaje abierto. La apófisis estiloides alargado es una causa importante de disección carotídea y de las complicaciones cerebrovasculares relacionadas.

ABSTRACT A syndrome characterized by cervical pain and an abnormally elongated styloid process was first described by Watt Eagle in 1937. Even though vascular Eagle syndrome is uncommon and is not well recognized as a cause for carotid artery dissection, in the last few years there have been an increasing number of case reports of carotid artery dissection caused by an elongated styloid process. A 56 years old man presented to the emergency department with acute left facial weakness and slurred speech. He complained of two days neck pain, related to a coughing fit. The code stroke protocol was activated and imaging showed a right temporal bone stroke and a bilateral internal carotid artery dissection. A scan angiography of the supra-aortic vessels with 3D reconstruction was performed showing a bilateral abnormally elongated styloid process. The patient underwent angioplasty with two stent placements. Due to the high risk of recurrent strokes, the patient was evaluated in the otolaryngology department for styloid process resection. Finally a transoral approach for the right side and an open approach for the left side were performed. We have to consider an elongated styloid process as an important cause of carotid artery dissection and subsequent cerebrovascular complications

Research progress of stenosing tenosynovitis of radial styloid process based on anatomical structure / 中国骨伤

Stenosing tenosynovitis of styloid process of radius(de Quervain's disease) which abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis in the first extensor chamber are affected by resistance when sliding, the incidence is affected by anatomical variations. Symptoms, signs and auxiliary examinations can diagnose the disease. Slight dQS can be improved by rest, brace, restriction activities, and oral medications. Chinese medicine and physiotherapy also reduce the disease. Needle knife therapy is a Traditional Chinese medicine minimally invasive surgery, which is also a step-by-step treatment between conservative treatment and open surgery to loosening the compression of the first extensor chamber. Steroid injection is a more common treatment in this disease, and its efficacy is related to the accuracy of the injection and is affected by the severity of the patient's anatomical variation. Identifying the spacing within the first extensor chamber under ultrasound can help patients better choose conservative or surgical treatment. Surgical treatment can more completely change the condition of dQD from anatomical structure, and clinical should pay attention to the choice of surgical procedure to improve the efficacy and reduce the occurrence of surgical complications. This article discusses the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of the disease from the perspective of anatomical structure. It mainly analyzes the therapeutic targets and the clinical application, which aims to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of de Quervain disease.

Cervico-stylo-mandibular complex fracture: a critical review of literature along with a protocol to recognize and proposal of a new classification

Fractures of the styloid process of the temporal bone may occur with or without an obvious relation to trauma. The incidence of either isolated styloid process fracture or in combination with mandibular fractures is rare, and such occurrences are often misdiagnosed or neglected. A fractured styloid when displaced may impinge on adjacent vital structures, leading to neurological or vascular symptoms that vary according to the anatomical structure compressed. Styloid process fractures associated with atlas/C1 fractures have also been rarely reported in the literature. In this review of literature, the majority of patients was treated conservatively, as few demonstrated the necessity of surgical intervention. There is a definitive need for a protocol to recognize and classify styloid fractures to plan for further treatment. The aim of this review was to achieve a comprehensive understanding of all types of styloid fractures, determine the clinical severity of symptoms, and to consider management and prognosis. In addition, a new classification of cervico-stylo-mandibular fractures is proposed based on important evidence in the literature regarding clinical and radiographic factors that might influence the treatment and prognosis of such fractures.

Hybrid operation for stylocarotid artery syndrome: A case report and literature review / 中国脑血管病杂志

Stylocarotid artery syndrome is a rare condition resulted from compression of the internal or external carotid artery by the styloid process of temporal bone. Patient was presented with left limbs weakness, then compression of the right carotid artery by elongated styloid process was found. He was treated by styloid process truncation with hybrid technique. After operation, compression of carotid artery was relieved. No arterial perforation or dissection happened. This case demonstrated that treatment of carotid artery stylocarotid syndrome with hybrid operation that combines endovascular techniques, radiological imaging and surgical resection can be minimally invasive, safe and effective.

An Abnormally Long Styloid Process With Ossification Of The Stylohyoid Ligament

The styloid process of the temporal bone is an elongated bony projection presenting a variable length asdemonstrated in osteometric and radiological studies conducted with different techniques: three-dimensionalcomputed tomography (3dct) or dental panoramic three-dimensional scanning. An elongated styloid processcan cause neck pain , dysphagia, headache, sore throat, ear pain, mandibular dysfunction which characterizeEagle’s syndrome. Here we present a rare image of an abnormally long styloid process with ossification of leftstylohyoid ligament belonging to a bone collection of the local anatomical museum , part of our department,and discovered during routine osteology classes .Also if a direct relation between the length of the styloidprocess and syndrome of Eagle is not always obvious ,radiologists , neurologists,neurosurgeons, dentists,anesthetists and otolaryngologists could be aware of this bone anomaly to diagnose this syndrome

Sexual dimorphism using the interstyloid distances and clinical implication for elongated styloid process in Northeastern Thailand / Dimorfismo sexual usando la distancia inter-estiloide y la implicación clínica del proceso estiloides elongado en el Noreste de Tailandia

Skeletal remains are crucial in forensic identification of the sex, especially human skulls including the styloid process, a bony projection from the skull. Hence, the objectives of the present study were undertaken to assess the value of the styloid process for the sex identification of unknown skulls and also to investigate the prevalence of elongated styloid process in 102 human dry skulls from the northeast Thai population. As a result, the interstyloid distances at both base and tip of the styloid processes were found to be significantly different between male and female specimens, although no significant difference was found in the length of the styloid process between males and females. In addition, the occurrence of the elongated styloid process was not associated with the gender, although its prevalent laterality on the left was recognized. It is suggested that the styloid process can be applied to the sex identification by measuring the interstyloid distance at the base or the tip of these processes.

Los restos óseos son cruciales para la identificación forense del sexo, especialmente en los cráneos humanos, incluyendo el proceso estiloides, una proyección ósea del cráneo. Por lo tanto, los objetivos del presente estudio consistieron en evaluar el valor del proceso estiloides en la identificación del sexo de cráneos desconocidos y también para investigar la prevalencia del proceso estiloides elongado en 102 cráneos secos humanos de la población del Noreste de Tailandia. Como resultado, se encontró que las distancias inter-estiloides tanto en la base y la punta de los procesos estiloides eran significativamente diferentes entre las muestras de hombres y mujeres, aunque no se encontró diferencia significativa en la presencia del proceso estiloides entre ambos. Además, la aparición del proceso estiloides elongado no se asoció con el sexo, aún cuando se observó su prevalencia en el lado izquierdo. Sugerimos que el proceso estiloides se puede utilizar en la identificación del sexo mediante la medición de la distancia inter-estiloide en la base o en la punta de estos procesos.

Eagle syndrome: a narrative review / Síndrome de Eagle: una revisión narrativa

Abstract: painful disorders in the maxillofacial region are common in dental practice. Most of these conditions are not properly diagnosed because of inadequate knowledge of craniofacial and cervico-pharyngeal syndromes such as Eagle Syndrome. The aim of this review is to describe the general aspects, diagnosis and treatment of Eagle syndrome. Eagle syndrome or stylohyoid syndrome was first described by Watt W. Eagle in 1937. It was defined as orofacial pain related to the elongation of the styloid process and ligament stylohyoid calcification. The condition is accompanied by symptoms such as dysphonia, dysphagia, sore throat, glossitis, earache, tonsillitis, facial pain, headache, pain in the temporomandibular joint and inability to perform lateral movements of the neck. Diagnosis and treatment of Eagle syndrome based on symptoms and radiographic examination of the patient will determine the need for surgical or nonsurgical treatment. Eagle syndrome is a complex disorder demanding a thorough knowledge of its signs and symptoms to make a correct diagnosis and provide an appropriate subsequent treatment. Disseminating information about this syndrome among medical-dental professionals is essential to provide adequate dental care to patients.

Resumen: en la práctica odontológica, es frecuente encontrar alteraciones con sintomatología dolorosa en la región maxilofacial, las cuales no son apropiadamente diagnosticadas, a causa del desconocimiento de síndromes craneofaciales y cervicofaríngeos, como el Síndrome de Eagle. El objetivo de esta revisión es describir los aspectos generales, diagnóstico y tratamiento del Síndrome de Eagle. El Síndrome de Eagle o estilalgia es la entidad nosológica, descrita por Watt W. Eagle en 1937, definida como aquel dolor orofacial relacionado con la elongación de la apófisis estiloides y calcificación del ligamento estilohioideo; el cual está acompañado de síntomas como: disfonía, disfagia, dolor faríngeo, glositis, otalgia, tonsilitis, dolor facial, cefalea, odinofagia, dolor en la articulación temporomandibular e imposibilidad de realizar movimientos laterales del cuello. El diagnóstico y tratamiento del Síndrome de Eagle está basado en la sintomatología y el examen radiográfico del paciente, lo cual determinará el tratamiento quirúrgico o no quirúrgico. El Síndrome de Eagle es una patología compleja que requiere un conocimiento amplio de sus signos y síntomas, para establecer un correcto diagnóstico y posteriormente un adecuado tratamiento. Para ello, es necesario difundir la información sobre este síndrome entre los profesionales médico-odontológico y así brindar una atención adecuada a cada uno de los pacientes.

Síndrome de Eagle: revisión de la literatura / Eagle syndrome: literature review

El síndrome de Eagle es una condición infrecuente caracterizada por una elongación de la apófisis estiloides y/o una calcificación del ligamento estilohioideo. Clinicamente los pacientes presentan una larga historia de dolor crónico cervicofacial, tratado por múltiples especialistas y mediante variadas estrategias terapéuticas. El diagnóstico requiere de un alto índice de sospecha, basado fundamentalmente en la anamnesis y el examen físico. Presentamos una revisión y actualización sobre el síndrome de Eagle, abarcando sus aspectos clínicos relevantes, su diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Eagle syndrome is a rare condition characterized by an elongation of the styloid process and /or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament. Clinically, patients present with a history of chronic cervicofacial pain, treated by multiple specialists and through various therapeutic strategies. The diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, based primarily on the history and physical examination. We review and update on Eagle syndrome, covering their relevant clinical aspects, diagnosis and treatment.

Comparetive study of CBCT and MSCT in the diagnosis of styloid process syndrome / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value between CBCT and MSCT in the styloid process syndrome. Method:One case with styloid process syndrome is selected examination of CBCT and MSCT in the patient's position of styloid process. The length and the angle of the styloid process in the picture of CBCT and MSCT were measured and had a construct with each other. Result:MSCT is slightly clearer than CBCT in the imaging of styloid process, but there is no obvious difference in the length and angle measurement of styloid process between them. Conclusion:Except for MSCT, CBCT is another important means in the diagnosis of styloid process syndrome, CBCT has a great clinical application value.

Clinical analysis of 12 cases with concurrent styloid process syndrome after tonsillectomy / 中国基层医药

Objective To study the reason of concurrent styloid process syndrome after tonsillectomy and the clinical effect of styloidectomy.Methods Twelve patients with styloid process syndrome after tonsillectomy receiving styloidectomy were retrospectively analyzed.The clinical effect was evaluated.Results Ten patients were operated on unilateral styloid,two patient was operated on bilateral styloid.All patients were followed -up for 6 months to 5 years after operation.All of them were cured.Conclusion The mechanism of styloid process syndrome after tonsillectomy might be related to the stimulation of scar formation in the tonsillar fossa.Styloidectomy ia an effective method of treatment.

Ossified stylohyoid ligament: A case report

Stylohyoid ligament, lesser cornu of hyoid bone and styloid process form stylohyoid complex derived from cartilage of 2nd pharyngeal arch. The anatomy of the ossified stylohyoid ligament and styloid process has immense embryological and clinical importance. The present report is of a fully ossified stylohyoid ligament on right side in an adult male cadaver. On the left side the stylohyoid ligament was remain unossified. Stylohyoid ligament in adults may retain its embryonic cartilage and thus has the potential of ossification. Abnormalities of stylohyoid complex may compress nearby neurovascular structures leading to mild to severe symptoms, such as foreign body sensation and pain in throat, etc. Dentists, otolaryngologists and anesthetists should be aware of the natural variations of the styloid process.

Morphometric and radiological evaluation of the stylohyoid complex in man.

Styloid process is a long & slender part of temporal bone. It measures 2 to 3 cms in length and lies antero-medial to the mastoid process. An elongated and abnormally angulated styloid process can compress the vital vessels and nerves close to it .This can lead to pain, foreign body sensation in the pharyngeal region, compression dysphagia, cervical pain, Eagle’s syndrome. Eagle’s syndrome is often misdiagnosed due to its vague symptomatology. The diagnosis relies on detail history taking, palpation of styloid process in tonsillar fossa and imaging modalities. The awareness of the embryological cause and the clinical implications of an elongated styloid process are important for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Prevalencia de alteraciones en el complejo estilohiodeo en radiografías panorámicas digitales / Prevalence of alterations of the stylohyoid complex in digital panoramic radiographs

Introducción: alteraciones de este aparato estilohioideo son frecuentes y se manifiestan por el alargamiento del proceso estiloides y también por la osificación del ligamento estilohioideo. Los cambios pueden ser asintomáticos o pueden desencadenar una serie de síntomas como el dolor en cabeza. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia del alargamiento del proceso estiloide y de la osificación del ligamento estilohioideo en radiografías panorámicas, atendiendo a la distribución según edad, sexo y lado afectado. Métodos: se tomaron 300 radiografías panorámicas digitales de los archivos de un Servicio de Radiología Dental. Fueron seleccionadas al azar entre las realizadas en 2012, y evaluadas por un único examinador. Fueron consideradas las radiografías en las cuales el proceso estiloide del hueso temporal superaba en más de 1 cm el borde más inferior del cartílago del lóbulo de la oreja y aquellas en la que el ligamento estilohioideo aparecía radiopaco. Resultados: en este estudio, se encontraron 108 radiografías (36 por ciento) con estas condiciones. Hubo una mayor prevalencia de alargamiento del proceso estiloide y/o la osificación del ligamento estilohioideo en mujeres (63 por ciento); se presentó bilateralmente en 72 por ciento de los casos, con mayor prevalencia en el rango etario de 61 a 70 años. Conclusión: la prevalencia de alteraciones en el complejo estilohioideo en las radiografías analizadas fue de 36 por ciento, la mayoría con presentación bilateral; predominó en mujeres del grupo etario referido(AU)

Introduction: alterations of the stylohyoid chain are common, taking the shape of styloid process elongation and stylohyoid ligament ossification. Changes may either be asymptomatic or trigger a number of symptoms such as headache. Objective: determine the prevalence of styloid process elongation and stylohyoid ligament ossification in panoramic radiographs based on distribution by age, sex and affected side. Methods: examination was conducted of 300 digital panoramic radiographs from the registries of a dental radiology service. Radiographs were randomly selected from among those performed in 2012, and evaluated by a single researcher. The radiographs considered were those in which the temporal styloid process exceeded in more than 1 cm the lowermost edge of the earlobe cartilage and those in which the stylohyoid ligament was radiopaque. Results: the study found 108 radiographs (36 percent) meeting these requirements. There was a higher prevalence of styloid process elongation and/or stylohyoid ligament ossification among women (63 percent), whereas the condition was bilateral in 72 percent of the cases, with a predominance of the 61-70 age group. Conclusion: prevalence of alterations of the stylohyoid complex in the radiographs analyzed was 36 percent. Most alterations were bilateral. There was a predominance of women from the above-mentioned age group(AU)

Morphometric study of styloid process of temporal bone in Indian adult dry skull.

Background: Styloid Process (SP) of temporal bone is a spike like process which is usually straight but it can show curvature and concavity. Many important neurovascular structures are adjacent to it. These structures may be compressed due to morphological variations of styloid process when SP abnormally elongated it may pose threat to anesthetist while performing intubation. Methods: Study was carried out on 70 (50 males, 20 females) adult dry skulls. All measurements such as length, direction, thickness at base of styloid process, distance between of two processes, and distance between it and stylomastoid foramen were taken with the help of vernier caliper in millimeters. Results: We found mean length of styloid process in males on right side 17.8 mm and on left 15.4 mm. In females, it was 13 mm on right and 16.8 mm on left side. Average distance between of two styloid processes at base was 68.13 mm in males and 67.42 mm in females. Thickness at the base of styloid process, in males on right 4.53 mm and on left side it was 4.83 mm while in females on right 4.33 mm and on left side it was 5 mm. Conclusions: Neurovascular structures which lie within the territory of styloid process may be compressed due to its anatomical variation. This data may be useful for clinicians, surgeons, radiologists, anesthetists and anatomists as an academic interest.

Case report on unilateral segmental calcification of stylohyoid ligament.

An unusual case of a unilaterally elongated styloid process with a length of 6.8 cm was found on orthopantomogram (OPG) of male patient. The patient reported with ipsilateralotalgia presumably due to nerve compression from the elongated styloid process. The symptomatology appeared by such an anatomical variant as well as relative literature is discussed in the present case.

Morphological study of styloid process of the temporal bone and its clinical implications / 대한해부학회지

The objective of this study was to study the morphometry of the styloid process of temporal bone and prevalence of elongated styloid process. The morphology of elongated styloid process along with its embryological and clinical importance are discussed. The present study included 110 human dry skulls which were procured from the bone collections of the department of anatomy. The styloid process was observed macroscopically on both sides of all the skulls, the elongations if any were noted. All the styloids were measured for their length, thickness at different levels and interstyloid distance at various levels. Out of 110 specimens, only 5 skulls (4.5%) exhibited the elongated styloid process. Among them, 3 skulls (2.7%) had unilateral elongation and 2 skulls (1.8%) had bilateral elongation of the styloid process. The mean length of the styloid process was 17.8+/-9.3 mm and 18.2+/-5.6 mm for the right and left sides, respectively. The prevalence of elongated styloid process in the present study was 4.5%. The clinical anatomy of this congenital variant is important to the neurosurgeon and radiologist, while interpreting the computed tomogram and magnetic resonance image scans. The morphological knowledge of elongated styloid process is clinically important since the course of the vertebral artery may be distorted in such situations.

Elongated Styloid Process: A Report Of Two Cadaveric Cases.

Introduction: Styloid process is a part of temporal bone. It measures 2 to 3 cms in length and lies antero-medial to the mastoid process. An elongated styloid process can compress the vital vessels and nerves close to it. This can lead to pain, foreign body sensation in the pharyngeal region and can also cause dysphagia. Observation: During routine dissection, we encountered elongated styloid process in two cadavers. In one it was unilateral and in another it was bilateral. The measurements of the elongated styloid process were taken using digital Vernier slide calipers. Conclusion: The awareness of the embryological cause and the clinical implications of an elongated styloid process are important for accurate diagnosis and treatment