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Implicating the long styloid process in cervical carotid artery dissection
Prakash Muthusami1, Chandrasekharan Kesavadas, P N Sylaja
1Department of Imaging Sciences and Interventional Radiology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India 695011. prakashmuthusami@gmail.com
Neuroradiology
|April 13, 2013
Summary
A long styloid process and its close proximity to the carotid artery are significant risk factors for cervical carotid artery dissection (CCAD). These findings suggest mechanical impingement as a cause of CCAD.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Anatomy
Background:
- Cervical carotid artery dissection (CCAD) is a significant cause of stroke.
- The association between elongated styloid processes and CCAD requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between styloid process length and its proximity to the internal carotid artery and the occurrence of CCAD.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted with 35 patients diagnosed with CCAD and 70 age- and sex-matched controls.
- CT angiograms were analyzed to measure styloid process length, angulation, and proximity to the internal carotid artery.
Main Results:
- Patients with CCAD had significantly longer styloid processes compared to controls.
- Shorter distances between the styloid process and the internal carotid artery were associated with increased odds of CCAD.
- No significant association was found between CCAD and styloid process angulation.
Conclusions:
- Styloid process length and its proximity to the internal carotid artery are identified as risk factors for CCAD.
- Mechanical impingement by the styloid process is suggested as a potential mechanism for CCAD.
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