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Fluid-Filled Dehiscences in the Anterior Cranial Fossa Floor: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Satoshi Tsutsumi1, Hideo Ono2, Hisato Ishii1
1From the Department of Neurological Surgery, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Urayasu, Chiba.
Objective:
To date, only limited information regarding the anterior cranial fossa floor (AFF) and the appearance of sites of dehiscence and potential channels has been available. We aimed to evaluate this region with thin section magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Patients And Methods:
A total of 65 patients underwent thin-sliced coronal T2-weighted MRI. The AFF was divided into 3 parts for analysis: the anterior, middle, and posterior.
Results:
Dehiscences were identified in 84.6% of 65 patients with apparently transmitting channels. In 49.2% of the patients, the dehiscences were located in the anterior part, whereas they were located in the middle and posterior parts in 52.3% and 12.3%, respectively. The morphology and number of these dehiscences were highly variable. In 12.3%, channels in the dehiscences were distributed extradural. Statistically, dehiscences were more frequently identified on the left side in any part of the AFF.
Conclusions:
With thin-sliced, coronal T2-weighted MRI, dehiscences were frequently identified in the anterior two-thirds of the AFF. Further study is warranted to determine the role of AFF channels and dehiscences, including possibly for cerebrospinal fluid drainage.
Insights
Thin-sliced MRI revealed frequent dehiscences and channels in the anterior cranial fossa floor (AFF). These anatomical variations, common in the anterior two-thirds of the AFF, may play a role in cerebrospinal fluid drainage.
Area of Science:
- Neuroanatomy
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Limited information exists on the anterior cranial fossa floor (AFF) anatomy, specifically dehiscences and channels.
- Understanding these structures is crucial for neurosurgical and neurological assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anterior cranial fossa floor (AFF) using thin-section magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- To characterize the appearance, prevalence, and location of dehiscences and potential channels within the AFF.
Main Methods:
- Coronal T2-weighted MRI with thin slices was performed on 65 patients.
- The AFF was systematically analyzed in three parts: anterior, middle, and posterior.
Main Results:
- Dehiscences were identified in 84.6% of patients, often with apparent transmitting channels.
- Dehiscences were most common in the anterior (49.2%) and middle (52.3%) parts of the AFF.
- Left-sided dehiscences were statistically more frequent; extradural channels were noted in 12.3%.
Conclusions:
- Thin-slice coronal T2-weighted MRI frequently detects dehiscences in the anterior two-thirds of the AFF.
- The prevalence and variability of AFF dehiscences and channels warrant further investigation.
- Potential roles in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics require additional research.
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