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Τhe styloid process length and the stylohyoid chain ossification affect its relationship with the carotid arteries

George Triantafyllou1, George Botis2, Katerina Vassiou3

  • 1Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece.

Annals of Anatomy = Anatomischer Anzeiger : Official Organ of the Anatomische Gesellschaft
|September 28, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Elongated styloid processes (SP) and ossified stylohyoid chains (SHC) reduce the distance to carotid arteries. This proximity, especially to the internal carotid artery (ICA), may increase the risk of dissection and stroke.

Area of Science:

  • Anatomy
  • Radiology
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • The elongated styloid process (SP) is anatomically close to the internal carotid artery (ICA), a known risk factor for ICA dissection.
  • The relationship between SP morphology, stylohyoid chain (SHC) ossification, and carotid artery proximity has been understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the spatial relationship between the temporal bone's SP and the external (ECA) and internal carotid arteries (ICA).
  • To test the hypothesis that morphological variants of the SP and SHC influence the SP-carotid artery distances.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 60 multidetector computed tomography angiographies (120 heminecks).
  • Assessment of SP elongation and degree of SHC ossification.
  • Measurement of distances between the SP tip and the ECA and ICA.

Main Results:

  • Elongated SPs were found in 35% of cases, and SHC ossification in 30%.
  • A statistically significant reduction in SP-ICA distance was noted with elongated SP and SHC ossification.
  • SP elongation was associated with a significantly shorter SP-ECA distance; three novel topographical patterns were identified.

Conclusions:

  • SP elongation and SHC ossification alter the spatial relationship between the SP and carotid arteries.
  • Reduced SP-carotid artery proximity, particularly to the ICA, is clinically significant.
  • This proximity may predispose individuals to carotid artery dissection, increasing stroke risk.
Abstract

Keywords:
AnatomyCarotid artery dissectionExternal carotid arteryInternal carotid arteryStyloid processVariation

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