Bilateral long styloid process detected at autopsy (case report).

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Anatomy

Background:

• The styloid process is a slender bony projection extending from the temporal bone.
• Variations in styloid process length can occur, but extreme elongation is rare.

Observation:

• A 61-year-old male was found deceased from suicide by hanging.
• Autopsy revealed bilateral elongated styloid processes, measuring 90 mm (right) and 70 mm (left).
• The distal ends of these elongated styloid processes were positioned between the external and internal carotid arteries.

Findings:

• The presence of significantly elongated bilateral styloid processes was noted during the forensic autopsy.
• The anatomical relationship of the elongated styloid processes to major neck vessels was documented.

Implications:

• Elongated styloid processes may represent a significant anatomical finding in forensic autopsies.
• Understanding such anatomical variations is crucial for accurate interpretation of post-mortem findings and potential contributing factors.