Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2025
09:53
Role of Diffusion MRI Tractography in Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery
Published on: July 5, 2021
3.6K
Unusually elongated superior thyroid cornu associated with recurrent cerebral embolisms
Natsuki Sugiyama1,2, Ryo Miyahara2, Hiroshi Hasegawa2
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, 2-1-1 Tomioka, Urayasu, Chiba, 279-0021, Japan.
Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy : SRA
|April 23, 2024
Summary
An unusually elongated and ossified superior thyroid cornu (STC) may cause recurrent cerebral embolisms by compressing the internal carotid artery (ICA). This anatomical variation should be considered during evaluations for embolic stroke.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Neurology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- The superior thyroid cornu (STC) is a normal component of the thyroid cartilage.
- Cerebral embolisms, particularly those affecting the middle cerebral artery, are a significant cause of stroke.
Observation:
- A patient presented with recurrent middle cerebral artery embolism.
- During endovascular therapy, an irregular filling defect was observed in the internal carotid artery (ICA) at the C1 level, previously unnoticed.
- 3D CT angiography revealed an unusually elongated and ossified STC compressing the ICA, causing a tortuous course and irregular arterial wall.
Findings:
- Compression of the ICA by the elongated and ossified STC likely led to thrombus formation.
- This thrombus subsequently caused recurrent cerebral embolisms in the middle cerebral artery.
Implications:
- The superior thyroid cornu should be recognized as a potential cause of cerebral embolism.
- Thorough evaluation of the entire internal carotid artery course is crucial before endovascular thrombectomy for acute embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion.
Related Concept Videos
01:10The Arch of Aorta
650
The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
650
01:14Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View
2.2K
The superior view of the cranium shows the frontal and paired parietal bones.
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior midline, between the eyebrows, there is a slight depression called the glabella. The frontal bone also forms the supraorbital margin of the orbit. Near the middle of this margin is the supraorbital foramen, the opening that provides passage for a sensory nerve to the forehead. The frontal bone is thickened just above each supraorbital margin,...
2.2K
01:26Arteries of the Head and Neck
1.2K
The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
1.2K
01:27Cranial Bones: Lateral View
2.2K
The lateral view of the cranium is dominated by temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The temporal bone is subdivided into several regions. The flattened upper portion is the squamous portion of the temporal bone. Below this area and projecting anteriorly is the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, which forms the posterior portion of the zygomatic arch. Posteriorly is the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Projecting...
2.2K
01:10Computed Tomography
4.5K
Tomography refers to imaging by sections. Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses computers to analyze several cross-sectional X-rays to reveal minute details about structures in the body.
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
4.5K
01:17Cerebellum: Anatomical Regions
1.6K
The cerebellum, also known as the "little brain," is located in the posterior cranial fossa, inferior to the tentorium cerebelli and dorsal to the brainstem. It plays a significant role in motor control, coordination, and proprioception.
Cerebellar Structure
Externally, the cerebellum features a highly convoluted surface with numerous folia (narrow ridges) separated by shallow sulci (grooves). The cerebellum is divided into two hemispheres by a thin median structure known as the vermis. The...
Cerebellar Structure
Externally, the cerebellum features a highly convoluted surface with numerous folia (narrow ridges) separated by shallow sulci (grooves). The cerebellum is divided into two hemispheres by a thin median structure known as the vermis. The...
1.6K