Bilateral carotico-clinoid foramen.

ABSTRACT

The carotico-clinoid foramen is the result of ossification either of the carotico-clinoid ligament or of a dural fold extending between the anterior and middle clinoid processes of the sphenoid bone. It is anatomically important due to its relations with the cavernous sinus and its contents, sphenoid sinus and pituitary gland. A case of bilateral foramen caroticoclinoid and interclinoid bar has been reported while teaching the cranial cavity to MBBS students. This carotico-clinoid foramen is seen as a consequence of fusion of anterior and middle clinoid processes. The existence of a bony caroticoclinoid foramen may cause compression, tightening or stretching of the internal carotid artery. Further, removing the anterior clinoid process is an important step in regional surgery. The presence of a bony carotico-clinoid foramen may have high risk. Therefore, detail knowledge of type of ossification between the anterior and middle clinoid processes is necessary to increase the success of regional surgery.