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Petrous apex cephalocoele: contribution of coexisting intracranial pathologies to the aetiopathogenesis
M Çavusoglu1, S Duran, H G Hatipoglu
1Department of Radiology, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to show the MRI findings of petrous apex cephalocoele (PAC) and the other intracranial pathologies that coexist with PAC, and to discuss the contribution of the co-existing pathologies to aetiopathogenesis.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of our imaging archive for the period from January 2012 to October 2013 revealed 13 patients with PAC (12 females and 1 male; age range, 26-69 years). 11 patients underwent MRI examination of the cranium, and 2 patients underwent MRI examination of the sellar region. We evaluated the lesions for content, signal intensity, enhancement, relation to petrous apex and Meckel's cave. Images were also evaluated for coexisting pathologies.
Results:
The presenting symptoms included headache, vertigo, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and trigeminal neuropathy. All patients had PAC. All lesions were located posterolateral to the Meckel's cave and were isointense with CSF signal on all pulse sequences. All lesions were continuous with Meckel's cave. Coexisting pathologies included intracranial aneurysmal dilatation, empty sella, mass in hypophysis, arachnoid cyst, inferior herniation of parahippocampal gyrus and optic nerve sheath CSF distension.
Conclusion:
Coexistence with other intracranial pathologies supports the possibility of CSF imbalance and/or intracranial hypertension in the aetiopathogenesis of PAC.
Advances In Knowledge:
This study examined the contribution of the co-existing intracranial pathologies to the aetiopathogenesis of PAC.
Insights
This study reveals that petrous apex cephalocoele (PAC) often coexists with other intracranial pathologies. These coexisting conditions may contribute to the development of PAC, potentially involving cerebrospinal fluid imbalance.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Petrous apex cephalocoele (PAC) is a rare condition.
- Understanding its aetiopathogenesis is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate MRI findings of petrous apex cephalocoele (PAC).
- To identify intracranial pathologies coexisting with PAC.
- To explore the role of these coexisting pathologies in PAC aetiopathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 13 patients with PAC (2012-2013).
- Review of cranial and sellar region MRI examinations.
- Evaluation of lesion characteristics and coexisting pathologies.
Main Results:
- PAC lesions were posterolateral to Meckel's cave and isointense with CSF.
- All lesions communicated with Meckel's cave.
- Commonly observed coexisting pathologies included aneurysmal dilatation, empty sella, pituitary masses, arachnoid cysts, and herniation.
Conclusions:
- The presence of coexisting intracranial pathologies suggests a link to cerebrospinal fluid imbalance.
- Intracranial hypertension may play a role in the development of PAC.
- This study highlights the contribution of associated pathologies to PAC aetiopathogenesis.
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