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Objective This study aimed to evaluate morphological features of the anterior clinoid process (ACP) and the optic strut (OS) in Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I). Methods The study universe consisted of computed tomography images of 41 CM-I patients and 45 normal subjects. Comparison of the parameters for CM-I and the control group was performed with the Student's t -test. A " p < 0.05" was accepted as the significance level. Results ACP length was smaller in CM-I than the control group (p < 0.001). In contrast to ACP length, ACP angle (p < 0.001), OS length (p = 0.022), and the distance between ACP and OS (p = 0.020) were found greater in CM-I in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). ACP width (p = 0.233) and OS width (p = 0.376) were similar in both groups. ACP pneumatization in CM-I group was found as 12.20%, whereas in the control group as 8.90%. Two different types about the pneumatization were identified in CM-I group (Type 1: 4.9% and Type 2: 7.3%), whereas three different types in the control group (Type 1: 3.3%, Type 2: 4.4%, and Type 3: 1.1%). Relative to ACP, three different types about OS position were identified in CM-I group (Type C: 31.70%, Type D: 64.60%, and Type E: 3.70%) and the control group (Type C: 7.80%, Type D: 64.40%, and Type E: 27.80%). Conclusion Shorter ACP, wide-angled ACP, longer OS, and more anteriorly located OS were found in CM-I group compared with the normal group. Our findings showed that the pneumatization of ACP was not affected by CM-I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The main aim of this retrospective computed tomography (CT) study was to examine the morphometric development of the geniculate ganglion (GG) in children aged between 1 and 18 years for surgical approaches. Methods: This study was placed on 41 patients (20 females and 21 males) including cochlear implantation cases aged from one to 18 (at mean, 6.44 ± 5.79) years. All the measurements belonging to the length, width and area of GG were performed with a CT scanner. Results: The morphometric values of GG were not different in terms of sex or side, statistically (p > 0.05). The length (p = 0.155) of GG was not correlated with the increasing ages from one to 18 years; however, its area (p < 0.001) and width (p = 0.003) were found to be increased in the childhood period. Linear functions for the length, width and area of GG were calculated as y = 2.028 + 0.011 × age (years), y = 1.496 + 0.014 × age (years), and y = 3.239 + 0.035 × Age (years), respectively. The dehiscence of GG was found in 22 (26.8%) out of 82 temporal bones. Conclusion: Our data suggested that the area and width of GG were progressively increasing with age in the childhood period. The calculated formula representing the growth dynamic of GG in children and the incidence of the presence of the dehiscent GG can be useful for radiologists and otologists to estimate its size and to avoid iatrogenic injury during early childhood surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective In this radioanatomical study, we aimed to obtain data on the morphometric properties of the optic strut as it is an important reference point for optic nerve surgery. Material and Methods Seven adult human dry skulls, present in the inventory of Faculty of Medicine Department of Anatomy were included in this study. Direct anatomical measurements were obtained with a digital caliper and radiological measurements with computed tomography. The position of the optic strut was evaluated according to the preciasmatic sulcus. Results The length and width of the optic strut were 4.53 ± 0.74 mm and 4.83 ± 1.34 mm in direct anatomic measurements. On computed tomography, the length and width of the optic strut were 4.13 ± 1.27 mm and 4.31 ± 0.82 mm. The distance between the two struts was 16.83 ± 2.56 mm and 15.91 ± 1.81 mm in direct anatomic measurements and computed tomography, respectively. Computed tomography and direct anatomic evaluation revealed that the optic strut was sulcal in 4 dry skulls, postsulcal in 2 dry skulls, and asymmetric in 1 dry skull. Conclusion Considering the fact that optical strut is a landmark for surgeons and may be damaged during anterior clinoid process resection, our numerical data may be useful during surgical applications around the optic nerve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Skull base is an important and a challenging area for surgeons. Success in skull base surgery depends on various factors such as pre-operative evaluation, appropriate surgical technique, anesthesia duration, intraoperative neuromonitorization and wound care. MATERIALS and METHODS: This study was performed in the Anatomy dissection laboratory of M.U. Medical Faculty (Ethical committee approval number 2010-103). Twelve fetuses between 17-33 gestational weeks fixed with formaldehyde were enrolled to the study. RESULTS: This study was planned to investigate the cross sectional areas of the sigmoid sinus in three levels to compare the right-left sides and the probable relationship among the levels in fetuses to further delineate the developmental factors on jugular foramen asymmetry. The cross-sectional measurements of sigmoid sinus lumen were done on 3 levels which are described as A1 level; sinodural angle, A2 level; the midpoint between the sinodural angle and endocranial orifice and A3 level as the entrance (endo-cranial orifice) of the jugular foramen. There is a strong positive correlation between left (L) A1 and L A2 and also the same for L A1 and right (R) A2. These strong and positive correlations are all valid between L A2-L A3, L A2-R A2, L A2-R A3, L A3-R A3, R A1-R A2. CONCLUSION: Multicenter studies would be beneficial to investigate the topic with greater number of fetuses also on the different regions for genetic differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the right and left sides of the carotid foramen (CF) to determine its precise location according to certain anatomical landmarks. MATERIALS and METHODS: Twenty human dry skulls were included in the study. A digital caliper and a digital image analysis software were used to obtain direct anatomical numerical values. Then, the same parameters on dry skulls were assessed with computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: CF was found to be round shaped (62.5%), oval shaped (32.5%), and tear-drop shaped (5%). In all cases, the position of CF was seen as just postero-laterally of the foramen lacerum. According to the jugular foramen, CF was seen to be anterior in 85% and antero-medial in 15% of the cases. Regarding the morphometric values of the surface area, the length and width of CF were observed to be 37.86±11.24 mm2, 8.02±1.09 mm, and 6.86±0.90 mm at direct anatomical measurements and 39.69±10.07 mm2, 7.89±1.14 mm, and 6.41±0.90 mm at CT, respectively. The angles between the supramastoid crest-CF-zygoma root and the supramastoid crest-CF-mastoid process were determined as 37.11±6.87° and 42.22±6.40° at direct anatomical measurements and 36.59±4.94° and 43.71±4.55° at CT, respectively. CONCLUSION: A significant difference in sides was not observed in relation with the numerical data of CF obtained from CT or from direct anatomical measurements of dry skulls. Moreover, a significant difference was not found between radiological and direct anatomical measurements. Therefore, precise radiological assessment of this region by an experienced neuroradiologist may be assumed as a fundamental need for successful surgeries of the skull base, in addition to thorough anatomical knowledge of neurootologists and neurosurgeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Ankara University Faculty of Medicine / Ankara Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Mecmuasi is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Ankara University Faculty of Medicine / Ankara Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Mecmuasi is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The main objective of the study was to show the morphologic features of optic strut (OS) and prechiasmatic sulcus (PS) in the fetal skull base with a surgical anatomical perspective. Twenty-three fetal cadavers (9 female, 14 male) with an average age of 21.70 ± 3.12 (range: 16–28) weeks of gestation in the inventory of the Anatomy Department were included in the study. Measurements were made with a digital image analysis software and goniometer. The sulcal length, interoptic distance, planum length, and sulcal angle were detected as follows: 3.91 ± 0.74 mm, 6.88 ± 1.04 mm, 6.55 ± 1.51 mm, and 24.52 ± 9.51°, respectively. Considering the location of the posteromedial margin of OS according to PS, OS was identified as the sulcal in 56.5% (13 cases), postsulcal in 30.4% (7 cases), and asymmetric in 13% (3 cases). According to the sulcal length and angle, PS was identified as type 1 in 26.1% (6 cases), type 2 in 21.7% (5 cases), type 3 in 30.4% (7 cases), and type 4 in 21.7% (5 cases). Our findings suggest that the sulcal length and angle reach adult size in utero. Taking into account the fetal and the gathered adult measurements, the high percentage of steep angle compared to flat angle show that after birth, PS become more flat, probably depending on the variations of the sphenoid sinus pneumatization. Thus, more studies conducted on the alterations in PS and OS types relative to the pneumatization are needed in terms of patient positioning, selection of appropriate surgical approach, and intraoperative decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: There is still ongoing research on the relationship of arcuate eminence (AE) and superior semicircular canal (SSC). We aimed to evaluate the precision of predictability of SSC through the morphology of AE via radiological means. MATERIALS and METHODS: This investigation is performed on 12 dry skulls belonging to Mersin University Medical Faculty department of anatomy. Computed tomography (CT) assessment is performed with 0.5-mm-thin sections temporal bone algorithm on dry skulls which were marked with fixated copper wire by scotch tapes on the most prominent part of the middle fossa floor assuming the location of AE. The data are reformatted on the workstation with vitrea 2.0. The distances of the determined three points including lateral (A), apical (B), and medial (C) of the SSC and the copper wire are measured radiologically. Also, the height between the most apical part of the SSC to the floor of the skullbase (H) is measured. The angles between the placed copper wires and the SSC (E) are calculated. The angle between SSC and the midpoint of the IAC (F) and SSC to the sulcus of the greater GSPN (G) were measured. The nearest distance was measured between the most posterior part of the SSC and the point marked by the perpendicular line drawn from the medial border of the petrous bone to the most posterior part of the internal auditory canal (IAC) (D). RESULTS: The right and left A, B, and C distances are 2.54+/- 2.75, 3.67+/-3.16, 5.85+/-3.77; 2.92+/-2.24, 3.68+/-2.93, 6.09+/-3.40, respectively. We could not find any statistical significance when the right A, B, and C distances were compared with the left values. Examination of the values revealed that C distance is greater than the A distance of the same side both for right (p=0.040) and left (p=0.022) measurements. The calculated left and right E angles are 30.313+/-12.838, and 35.558+/-18.437 degrees, respectively. Statistical significance was not found between the right and left angles. The right and left F, G angles were 53.17, 47.25; 93.58, 100.92 degrees; and D distances are 8.01, 8.13 millimeters, respectively. Statistical significance was not found when right and left E, F, G angles and D distances were compared. Among 12 left and 12 right sides, the copper wire was found to be nearly overlapping to SSC in two in the right and only one in the left. CONCLUSION: This study reveals that there is a great variability predicting the exact location of SSC through the prominence of AE. Complementary studies are needed with greater number of dry skulls and cadavers. Comparison of different hypothesis including the effect of temporal lobe sulcus is to be discussed to better enlighten the exact relationship of the aforementioned anatomical structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]