Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026
07:43
Utilizing a Cranial Window to Visualize the Middle Cerebral Artery During Endothelin-1 Induced Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Published on: February 22, 2013
15.5K
Bilateral Ossicular Head Dehiscence Into the Middle Cranial Fossa
Sameer A Alvi1, Joel W Jones1, Jim Lin1
11 Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|January 10, 2018
Summary
This study details a rare case where the malleus and incus heads abnormally protruded into the middle cranial fossa, impacting hearing and requiring surgical repair.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Conductive hearing loss can stem from various middle ear pathologies.
- Tegmen tympani dehiscence is a rare condition affecting the middle ear and cranial cavity.
Observation:
- A patient with a history of cholesteatoma presented with persistent conductive hearing loss.
- Imaging revealed bilateral tegmen tympani dehiscence, with malleus and incus heads extending into the middle cranial fossa.
- The right side showed complete dehiscence, while the left side presented a milder form.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention included revision tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy, ossicular chain reconstruction, and middle fossa craniotomy for repair.
- Histopathological analysis confirmed the absence of encephalocele, ruling out a common differential diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing rare ossicular anomalies.
- Surgical management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving otologic and neurosurgical expertise.
- Understanding these rare anatomical variations is crucial for effective patient treatment and outcomes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Muscles that Move the Head
6.2K
The muscles that move the head are a dynamic and complex group of structures that work together to facilitate a wide range of head movements, including rotation, flexion, extension, and lateral bending.
The bilateral sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, and the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are significant head flexors. The SCM muscles originate at the sternum and clavicle and attach to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The SCM contracts bilaterally to bend the head forward, whereas...
The bilateral sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, and the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are significant head flexors. The SCM muscles originate at the sternum and clavicle and attach to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The SCM contracts bilaterally to bend the head forward, whereas...
6.2K
01:19Cranial and Spinal Meninges
4.1K
The cranial and spinal meninges are complex protective structures surrounding the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These meninges consist of the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They protect the CNS, provide structural support, and aid in circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
4.1K
01:14Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
5.3K
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, with the first six being essential in sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions related to the head and neck.
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
5.3K
01:22Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
5.0K
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves. While the first six innervate the head and neck, the latter six nerves innervate the head and neck, as well as organs and tissues in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. They facilitate communication, expression, and autonomic control within the human body.
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
5.0K
01:18Cranial Part of Parasympathetic Division
2.3K
The cranial part of the parasympathetic division plays a crucial role in regulating the visceral functions of the head and specific structures in the neck, thoracic, and abdominopelvic cavities. Preganglionic fibers of the parasympathetic division exit the brain through cranial nerves III (oculomotor), VII (facial), IX (glossopharyngeal), and X (vagus), delivering parasympathetic output to the respective visceral structures.
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) alone accounts for approximately 75...
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) alone accounts for approximately 75...
2.3K
01:19Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy
4.8K
The cranial nerves are an important part of the complex network of nerves in the human body. These nerves emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for transmitting essential information between the brain and various parts of the head and neck. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, systematically numbered using Roman numerals from I to XII, beginning from the anterior and moving to the posterior of the brain. Each cranial nerve is uniquely identified by names that reflect its function...
4.8K