Three-dimensional analysis of foramen magnum and its adjacent structures

Evaluation of the Anatomical and Radiological Morphometry of Optic Nerve and Cranium in Healthy Individuals

This paper determined the morphometric measurements' reference values and relationship of the optic nerve and cranium in Turkish healthy individuals according to age and sex. Five hundred fifty-nine (280 females and 279 males) patients aged from 2 to 90 years were included in this study. The measurements were taken from patients having brain magnetic resonance images in sagittal, axial, and coronal sections in the radiology department. Eyeball transverse diameter, optic nerve sheath thickness (ONST), optic chiasm length, optic chiasm width, and cranium morphometric measurements of all individuals who participated in the study were taken. Except for the width of the optic chiasm, all measurements showed significant differences between the sexes (P < 0.05). In contrast, all measurement values were higher in males than females, except for the clival angle. According to the result of Pearson correlation analysis, in which the existence of a relationship between ONST and craniometric measurements was evaluated, a low but significant correlation was found between ONST and craniometric measurements (r < 0.4; P < 0.05). In the post hoc test performed to compare the decades, it was seen that the most significant changes in our measurements were in the 2 to 10 age range and the measurement values decreased in old age. We think that revealing the age and sex-related changes in the optic nerve and cranium morphometry of our population anatomically and radiologically will be an important source in terms of creating reference values for our population.

Anatomical Evaluation of the Foramen Magnum on Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Images and Review of Literature

Background and objective The morphology and morphometry of the foramen magnum (FM), which provides a passageway to vital neurological structures that relay information to and from the brain and spinal cord, are significant for many surgical approaches and applications. It was aimed to investigate the morphometric and morphological features of the FM on the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and to review the literature in detail. Methods CBCT images of 400 individuals (200 males, 200 females, aged between 18 and 65) were evaluated by Planmeca Romexis Viewer. The length, width, perimeter, and area of the FM were examined and samples were classified according to shape. Also, the FM index (FMI) was calculated. Results The mean values of the length, width, and perimeter were found to be 36.75±2.50 mm, 32.55±2.93 mm, and 108.35±7.50 mm, respectively. The area of FM was found to be 941.81±128.26 mm², 946.83±127.39 mm², and 895.76±123.50 mm² with Planmeca Romexis Viewer, Radinsky formula, and Teixeira formula, respectively. All parameters were significantly larger in males than females. There was no correlation between age and these parameters. Also, seven shapes were determined for FM, and the most common shape was oval. FM index was evaluated according to the Martin and Saller classification. It was found that 16.5% of the cases belonged to the narrow, 16% belonged to the medium, and 67.5% to the large FM index. There was no correlation between age and FM index. Conclusion Morphometric and morphological features of the FM located in the craniovertebral junction (CVJ), which is a highly complex area, are variable. Surgical procedures and approaches in this region are essential due to the high mortality rate. For this reason, anatomical structures in these regions should be well known before surgery. The quantitative data presented in this study, which made a detailed literature comparison, may assist in surgical procedures around the FM and the planning of these procedures.

Achondroplasia: a comprehensive clinical review

Achondroplasia is the most common of the skeletal dysplasias that result in marked short stature (dwarfism). Although its clinical and radiologic phenotype has been described for more than 50 years, there is still a great deal to be learned about the medical issues that arise secondary to this diagnosis, the manner in which these are best diagnosed and addressed, and whether preventive strategies can ameliorate the problems that can compromise the health and well being of affected individuals. This review provides both an updated discussion of the care needs of those with achondroplasia and an exploration of the limits of evidence that is available regarding care recommendations, controversies that are currently present, and the many areas of ignorance that remain.

Foramen Magnum Meningioma: a Case Report and Review of Literature

Introduction:

Meningiomas are slow-growing benign tumors that arise at any location where arachnoid cells reside. Although meningiomas account for a sizable proportion of all primary intracranial neoplasms (14.3–19%), only 1.8 to 3.2% arise at the foramen magnum. Their indolent development at the craniocervical junction makes clinical diagnosis complex and often leads to a long interval between onset of symptoms and diagnosis.

Case report:

We report a case of a 79-year-old male patient, presented with ataxia and sense of threatening fainting during verticalization. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the presence of meningioma in the right side of craniospinal junction.