Is There a Relationship Between Styloid Process Morphology and Symptoms Associated With Eagle Syndrome?

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Radiology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Eagle Syndrome involves an elongated or angulated styloid process, causing symptoms like throat pain and dizziness.
• The link between styloid process shape and symptoms is not well understood.
• This study investigates the relationship between styloid process characteristics and Eagle Syndrome symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the correlation between styloid process morphology and clinical symptoms in patients.
• To determine if imaging features of the styloid process can predict Eagle Syndrome.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 945 paranasal sinus CT scans (2019-2022).
• Evaluation of styloid process length, angulation, and morphology (continuous, pseudoarticular, segmentary).
• Correlation of morphological data with recorded clinical symptoms (throat pain, otalgia, dizziness, etc.).

Main Results:

• Styloid process morphology varied: continuous (59.8%), segmentary (25.5%), pseudoarticular (14.7%).
• Significant differences in styloid process length were observed across morphological types (P < .001).
• No significant association found between styloid process morphology (length, angulation, type) and symptom presence (P > .05).

Conclusions:

• Styloid process morphology alone is insufficient for predicting Eagle Syndrome symptoms.
• Diagnosis requires a comprehensive clinical assessment alongside radiological findings.
• Emphasizes integrating clinical evaluation with imaging for accurate diagnosis.