Carotid Artery Compression Caused by the Cochlea

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Vascular Biology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• The cochlea and internal carotid artery (ICA) are anatomically adjacent within the human temporal bone.
• This close relationship suggests potential for functional interference between these structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anatomical interference between the human cochlea and the internal carotid artery (ICA).
• To determine the prevalence and degree of physical interaction and lumenal restriction.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 324 human plastic inner ear corrosion casts.
• Inclusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) canal and jugular bulb in the analysis.
• Measurement of the distance between the carotid canal (CC) and cochlea, and assessment of CC lumen restriction.

Main Results:

• In 23% of specimens (14 cases), the cochlea caused physical impressions in the carotid canal (CC), leading to lumen restriction.
• The distance between the CC and cochlea ranged from 0 to 1 mm in affected specimens.
• Carotid canal (CC) lumen restriction varied significantly, from 39% to 79%.

Conclusions:

• The cochlea can induce significant lumen reduction in the internal carotid artery (ICA) canal.
• This narrowing may create a predisposition for atherosclerotic plaque formation in the intratemporal ICA.
• Findings highlight a potential clinical relevance for understanding vascular-auditory interactions.