Prevalencia y características morfométricas del foramen venoso en cráneos del Noreste de México / Prevalence and morphometric characteristics foramen venosum in Northeastern Mexico skulls

El foramen venoso es una estructura inconstante que se encuentra posterior al foramen redondo y medial al foramen oval, y da paso a una vena que anastomosa al plexo venoso pterigoideo con el seno cavernoso. La existencia de éste foramen puede ser motivo de complicaciones clínicas, entre ellas que es una potencial vía de acceso al seno cavernoso de trombos infectados y constituye una posible falsa vía durante la rizotomía percutánea del trigémino pudiendo puncionar la vena y ocasionar hematomas subdurales. Se utilizó la colección de cráneos del Departamento de Anatomía de la Facultad de Medicina UANL. Se observó la frecuencia y se midieron los siguientes parámetros del foramen: Ancho y largo; en la cara interna de la base del cráneo se midieron las distancias a: foramen redondo, foramen oval, plano sagital mediano y entre forámenes venosos; en la cara externa de la base del cráneo se midieron las distancias con: foramen oval, plano sagital medio y entre los forámenes venosos. Las medidas fueron llevadas a cabo por tres observadores distintos a través de medición directa con vernier y con microfotografías con escalas milimétricas. Se encontró una frecuencia del 20 por ciento con medidas medias de 1,66mm de largo, 1,06mm de ancho; en la cara interna de la base del cráneo: 11,31mm de distancia al foramen redondo, 4,13mm al foramen oval, 17,75mm al plano sagital medio y 31,91mm entre los forámenes; en la cara externa de la base: 2,50mm al foramen oval, 19,54mm al plano sagital medio y 36,05mm entre forámenes venoso. La distancia al foramen oval varía en la cara interna y la cara externa de la base del cráneo debido a un trayecto oblicuo del foramen que tiende a aproximarse al foramen oval y por tanto a separarse del plano sagital medio. Los forámenes derechos fueron generalmente más grandes.

Foramen venosum (foramen Vesalius) is an inconstant structure which is located posterior to the foramen rotundum and medial to the foramen ovale, and it gives pace to an emissary vein that communicates the plexus pterigoideus and the sinus cavernosus. The existence of this anatomical structure can be of interest in certain procedures like percutaneous trigeminal rhizotomy where this foramen can be the cause of a false pathway and be punctured causing a subdural hematoma. It also can be an access to the sinus cavernosus for infected thrombus coming from dental and facial infections. For this study the skull collection of the Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine UANL, was used. We observed the frequency and measured the following parameters: Length and width; in the basis cranii we measured: Distances to the foramen rotundum, foramen ovale, planum medianum and between two foramina venosum (one on each side). In basis cranii externa we measured: distances to foramen ovale, planum medianum, and between two foramina venosum. Three independent observers blinded among them, measured the parameters using a Vernier and microphotographs with milimetrical scales. A 20 percent frequency was found and the following median measures: Length 1.66mm, width 1.06mm; basis cranii: distance to foramen rotundum 11.31mm, distance to foramen ovale 4.13mm, distance to planum medianum 17.75mm and 31.91mm between both foramina venosum. Basis cranii externa: distance to foramen ovale 2.49mm, distance to planum medianum 19.54mm and distance between foramenina venosum 36.05. The distance to the foramen ovale varies between basis cranii and basis cranii externa because the foramen has an oblique trajectory and it approximates to the foramen ovale (from superior to inferior) and separates from the planum medianum. It was found bilaterally only in one skull. There are differences between the left and right foramens, the latter being generally larger.

Condroblastoma do osso esfenóide / Chondroblastoma of the sphenoid bone

Introdução: Condroblastoma é uma rara neoplasia benigna cartilaginosa, altamente destrutiva, que caracteristicamente surge na epífise de ossos longos em pacientes jovens. Sua ocorrência é extremamente rara na base do crânio, normalmente ocorrendo no osso temporal. Objetivo: Descrever um raro caso de um paciente apresentando um condroblastoma de osso esfenóide que invadia a fossa média, submetido a ressecção cirúrgica com sucesso, sem recorrência após 2 anos. Relato do Caso: W.J.S., 37 anos, masculino, encaminhado ao ambulatório de otorrinolaringologia com otalgia persistente e de forte intensidade há 3 meses. Apresentava otoscopia normal e sem tumorações visíveis. Tomografia computadorizada evidenciou massa tumoral em fossa infra-temporal à esquerda, invadindo fossa cerebral média. Biópsia sugeria tumor de células gigantes. Realizada ressecção ampla por abordagem anterior via osteotomia orbito-zigomática. Durante a cirurgia, confirmando achados tomográficos, não foi encontrado envolvimento do osso temporal. Exame histopatológico evidenciou condroblastoma. Após 18 meses da cirurgia, não apresenta queixas, sem déficits motores, sensitivos ou de nervos cranianos e sem sinais tomográficos de recorrência. Conclusão: Destaca-se a importância do diagnóstico diferencial do condroblastoma nas lesões da base do crânio e sua abordagem terapêutica, cujo objetivo sempre deve ser a maior ressecção possível com a máxima preservação de função.

Introduction: Chondroblastoma is an uncommon cartilaginous benign neoplasm, highly destructive, which specifically appears in the epiphysis of long bones in young patients. Its occurrence is extremely rare in the cranial base, normally occurring in the temporal bone. Objective: To describe a rare case in a patient presenting with a sphenoid bone chondroblastoma that invaded the middle cranial cavity, submitted to a successful surgical resection, without recurrence after 2 years. Case Report: W.J.S, 37 years old, male, forwarded to the otorhinolaryngology service with persistent and strong otalgia for 3 months. He had normal otoscopy and without visible tumorations. The computerized tomography confirmed tumor mass in the left infra-temporal cavity, invading the middle cranial cavity. The biopsy suggested giant cells tumor. After wide resection by frontal approach via orbitozygomatic osteotomy. During the surgery, we confirmed tomographic statements and didn't find temporal bone involvement. The histopathological exam confirmed chondroblastoma. After 18 months after the surgery, he doesn't present with complaints, without motor, sensitive deficits or of cranial nerves and without recurrence tomographic signals. Conclusion: The importance of differential diagnosis of chondroblastoma is remarkable in the cranial base lesions and its therapeutic approach, whose objective must always be the major possible resection with the maximum function conservation.

Anatomic variation of sphenoid sinus and related structures in Libyan population: CT Scan study

Sphenoid sinus is the most inaccessible paranasal sinus, enclosed within the sphenoid bone and intimately related to numerous vital neural and vascular structures. Anatomic variation of the sphenoid sinus is well documented and may complicate surgery in such a place. To outline the surgically risky anatomic variants of the sphenoid sinus as well as the variable relationships between the sinus and related neurovascular structures, for the safe removal of intrasphenoid and pituitary lesions. We undertook a prospective review of 300 paranasal sinus CT scans of Libyan patients; coronal CT scans were obtained by special parameter techniques. We assessed pneumatization of pterygoid process [PP], anterior clinoid process [ACP], and greater wing of sphenoid [GWS]; we also examined protrusion and dehiscence of internal carotid artery [ICA], optic nerve [ON], maxillary nerve [MN], and vidian nerve [VN] into the sphenoid sinus cavity. Pneumatization of PP, ACP, and GWS were seen in 87 [29%], 46 [15.3%], and 60 patients [20%], respectively. Protrusion of ICA, ON, MN, and VN were noticed in 123 [41%], 107 [35.6%], 73 [24.3%], and 81 patients [27%], respectively; dehiscence of these structures was encountered in 90 [30%], 92 [30.6%], 39 [13%], and 111 patients [37%], respectively. Statistically, there was a highly significant association between ACP pneumatization and ICA protrusion, ACP pneumatization and ON protrusion, PP pneumatization and VN protrusion; and GWS pneumatization and MN protrusion [p-value < 0.001]. The sphenoid sinus is highly variable; this variability necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the regional sphenoid sinus anatomy by a detailed CT scan sinus examination before surgery in and around the sinus. This study indicates the possibility of a racial anatomical variation of the sphenoid sinus in the Libyan population

Ossification of caroticoclinoid ligament and its clinical importance in skull-based surgery

CONTEXT: The medial end of the posterior border of the sphenoid bone presents the anterior clinoid process (ACP), which is usually accessed for operations involving the clinoid space and the cavernous sinus. The ACP is often connected to the middle clinoid process (MCP) by a ligament known as the caroticoclinoid ligament (CCL), which may be ossified, forming the caroticoclinoid foramen (CCF). Variations in the ACP other than ossification are rare. The ossified CCL may have compressive effects on the internal carotid artery. Thus, anatomical and radiological knowledge of the ACP and the clinoid space is also important when operating on the internal carotid artery. Excision of the ACP may be required for many skull-based surgical procedures, and the presence of any anomalies such as ossified CCL may pose a problem for neurosurgeons. CASE REPORT: We observed the presence of ossified CCL in a skull bone. A detailed radiological study of the CCL and the CCF was conducted. Morphometric measurements were recorded and photographs were taken. The ACP was connected to the MCP and was converted into a CCF. Considering the fact that standard anatomy textbooks do not provide morphological descriptions and radiological evaluations of the CCL, the present study may be important for neurosurgeons operating in the region of the ACP.

CONTEXTO Y OBJETIVO: El extremo intermedio de la frontera posterior del hueso del sphenoid presenta el proceso anterior del clinoid (ACP), que está alcanzado generalmente para las operaciones que implican el espacio clinoidal y el sino cavernoso. El ACP es conectado a menudo con el proceso medio del clinoid (MCP) por un ligamento conocido como el ligamento del carotico-clinoid (CCL), que puede ser osificado, formando el agujero del clinoid del carotico (CCF). Las variaciones del ACP con excepción de la osificación, son raras. El CCL osificado puede tener efectos compresivos en la arteria carótida interna. El conocimiento así anatómico y radiológico del ACP y del espacio clinoidal es también importante mientras que funciona en la arteria carótida interna. La supresión del ACP se puede requerir para muchos cirugía basada cráneo y la presencia de cualquier anomalía tal como CCL osificado, puede plantear un problema para el neurocirujano. INFORME DEL CASO: Observamos la presencia de CCL osificado en un hueso del cráneo. Un estudio radiológico detallado del CCL y del CCF fue conducido. Las medidas morphometric fueron registradas y las fotografías fueron tomadas. El ACP fue conectado con el MCP y convertido en un CCF. En vista del hecho, los libros de textos de esa anatomía del estándar no proporcionan la descripción morfológica y la evaluación radiológica de CCL, el actual estudio puede ser importante para los neurocirujanos que funcionan en la región del ACP.

Aneurysmal bone cyst of sphenoid bone--a case report.

Aneurysmal bone cysts of the skull are rare and involvement of sphenoid bone is even less frequent. We present X-ray, CT, MR imaging and histopathologic findings of an aneurismal bone cyst of the sphenoid in a 15-years old female adolescent. Radiological findings of the aneurysmal bone cyst of the skull were highly suggestive of the diagnosis and that were confirmed by histopathologic analysis.

Infrasellar craniopharyngioma: case report

We report a case of infrasellar craniopharyngioma in a 34 year-old woman who presented with progressive headache and diplopia. Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance images showed a heterogeneous tumor originating from the sphenoid bone with ethmoid sinus and sella turcica extension. A sublabial rhinoseptal transsphenoidal surgery was performed. Craniopharyngiomas with infrasellar development are very rare. Infrasellar craniopharyngioma is uncommon, thirty-five cases has been reported in literature. The embryology, clinical features and radiographic investigation of these tumors are discussed

Hemangioendothelioma of the sphenoid bone: a case report

Hemangioendothelioma is borderline or intermediate type of vascular neoplasm. Hemangioendothelioma is rare lesion that constitutes less than 0.5% of the malignant tumors of bone. We present a case of low-grade hemagioendothelioma of the skull in a 29-yr-old woman. She had pain, diplopia and exophthalmos of the left eye. Radiographic images showed a relatively well-demarcated, expansile osteolytic lesion with irregularly thickened trabeculae and calcifications in the left greater wing of sphenoid bone. Histologically, the tumor was an infiltrative vasoformative lesion. The vessels are generally well-formed with open or compressed lumina surrounded by endothelial cells showing mild atypia. It lacked frequent mitotic figures and severe atypia. Although excessive bleeding occurred during the operation, the mass was totally resected. Postoperative radiation was not necessary. She is free of disease and well 6 months postoperatively.

Sphenoid wing meningioma--an unusual cause of duro-optic calcification.

Sphenoid ridge is the third commonest site of intracranial meningiomas. Although sphenoid ridge meningiomas often involve the optic canal, calcification along the optic nerve has not been reported with these tumors. We describe CT features of a calcified optic nerve in a patient with a calcified sphenoid ridge meningioma.

Solitary intracranial plasmacytoma of the skull base.

Two cases of extradural solitary plasmacytoma (SIP) with infiltration of the dura, destruction of the skull base, multiple cranial nerve palsies and proptosis are presented. The cases were treated aggressively with surgery and radiotherapy and showed no signs of progressing to multiple myeloma after 15 months and four and a half years respectively.

Tumor a celulas gigantes de esfenoides / Sphenoid giant cells tumor

Se describe un caso de tumor a células gigantes del esfenoides en un paciente varón de 26 años de edad con síntomas del lóbulo temporal izquierdo y erosión del seno esfenoidal en la radiolografía simple. Los síntomas desaparecieron después de la operación del paciente. Se discuten los síntomas, hallázgos radiológicos, etiología, histopatología y el tratamiento quirúrgico de este raro tumor, en efecto nuestro caso es el primero reportado en la literatura médica nacional y probablemente el décimo quinto a nivel mundial

Ressecçäo parcial de hâmulo pterigóideo proeminente: relato de caso clínico / Parcial ressection of the proeminent pterygoid hamulus: case report

Os autores relatam o caso de paciente portador de Hâmulo Pterigóideo proeminente, bilateralmente. Havia queixa de desconforto e dor. Descreve-se a situaçäo anatômica desta estrutura e a técnica cirúrgica utilizada para sua ressecçäo parcial, que levou à completa resoluçäo do problema