scholarly journals Euclidean Relationship between the Superior Semicircular Canal and the Arcuate Eminence

2019 ◽  
Vol 81 (02) ◽  
pp. 165-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aida Nourbakhsh ◽  
Yang Tang ◽  
Brian S. DiPace ◽  
Daniel H. Coelho
Keyword(s):  
Semicircular Canal ◽  
Euclidean Distance ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Surgical Anatomy ◽  
P Value ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Superior Semicircular Canal ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
Academic Teaching Hospital

Abstract Objective This study was aimed to better characterize the surgical anatomy of the floor of the middle cranial fossa using three dimensional Euclidean relationships between the arcuate eminence (AE), the superior semicircular canal (SSC), and the geniculate ganglion (GG). Study Design Submillimeter distances were recorded from computed tomography (CT) scans of 50 patients (100 sides). The AE, apex of the SSC, and the GG were identified and three dimensional distances measured. Setting The study was conducted at a tertiary academic teaching hospital. Main Outcome Measures In this study, Euclidean distance was obtained from AE to SSC by using a fixed anatomical landmark (GG) as the origin. Results On average, the AE is 2.1 ± 0.3 mm lateral, 2.5 ± 0.1 mm superior, and 2.1 ± 0.3 posterior to the SSC. Thirty percent (30/100) of patients had an AE that was less than 2 mm superior to SSC. The AE was medial to the SCC in 13% samples and anterior to the SSC in 18% samples. The results also show that there was no difference in mean distance between sides (1.08 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI] =  − 2.67–0.52; p-value = 0.29) or gender (0.56 mm; 95% CI =  − 1.34, 2.45; p-value = 0.86). Conclusions This study represents a comprehensive analysis of the relational anatomy of the floor of the middle fossa to date. In quantifying relationships between the AE, SSC, and GG, and by understanding the variability of these relationships in some planes, the middle fossa surgeon can feel more comfortable with this most challenging approach.

Superior semicircular canal dehiscence: a new indication for middle fossa craniotomy

2004 ◽  
Vol 100 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan E. Martin ◽  
Christopher J. Neal ◽  
William T. Monacci ◽  
David J. Eisenman
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Semicircular Canal ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence ◽  
Superior Semicircular Canal ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Canal Dehiscence

✓ Superior semicircular canal dehiscence is a recently described condition resulting in pressure-induced vertigo in affected patients. The diagnosis is established with the appearance of characteristic electronystagmographic and neuroimaging findings. This condition is amenable to surgical treatment by resurfacing of the dehiscence in the defect in the middle cranial fossa floor with preservation of superior semicircular canal function. The authors report on the treatment of a 35-year-old man with superior semicircular canal dehiscence by a joint neurosurgical and otolaryngological team.

Three-dimensional Computed Tomographic Analysis of the Relationship Between the Arcuate Eminence and the Superior Semicircular Canal

2006 ◽  
Vol 59 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. ONS-7-ONS-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ketan R. Bulsara ◽  
Jean-Christophe Leveque ◽  
Linda Gray ◽  
Takanori Fukushima ◽  
Allan H. Friedman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semicircular Canal ◽  
Average Distance ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Surgical Approaches ◽  
Precise Position ◽  
Superior Semicircular Canal ◽  
Bony Landmarks ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The location of the superior semicircular canal (SSC) is often determined intraoperatively based on its topographic association with the arcuate eminence (AE). This determination is not always possible because of the potential variability in the relationship between these two structures. The goal of this study was to describe the three-dimensional (3-D) relationship between the AE and SSC using 3-D computed tomography (CT) and to evaluate the utility of 3-D CT for preoperative planning for surgical approaches to the middle cranial fossa. METHODS: We studied 11 patients (22 sides) radiographically using 0.8- to 1-mm thick reconstructed CT images. A standard set of structural relationships was measured between the AE, SSC, and other regional landmarks. RESULTS: 3-D CT clearly demonstrated the relationships between traditional landmarks along the petrous ridge and middle cranial fossa. The relationship between the arcuate eminence and SSC was found to be highly variable. The average distance between the tips of the two structures was found to be 5.7 mm (range, 2.7–10.4 mm). CONCLUSIONS: There is significant variability in the relationship between the AE and the SSC. The AE is not a consistent or reliable landmark for identifying the precise position of the SSC. Detailed preoperative information regarding the relationship between the AE, SSC, and other bony landmarks can be easily and quickly assessed using 3-D CT.

Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome

2004 ◽  
Vol 100 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitchell J. Ramsey ◽  
Michael J. McKenna ◽  
Fred G. Barker
Keyword(s):  
Semicircular Canal ◽  
Chronic Otitis Media ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence ◽  
Superior Semicircular Canal ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
Vestibular Symptoms ◽  
Fine Print ◽  
Canal Dehiscence

✓ The authors present the case of a man who had superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome in addition to chronic otitis media. This case is atypical because the patient coincidentally had middle ear and mastoid disease, which previously had been treated surgically. The prior ear surgery delayed the diagnosis of superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome and increased the complexity of the repair of the superior semicircular canal dehiscence. Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome is a recently recognized syndrome resulting in acute or chronic vestibular symptoms. The diagnosis is made using history, vestibular examination, and computerized tomography studies. Neurosurgeons should be aware that patients with superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome who experience disabling chronic or acute vestibular symptoms can be treated using a joint neurosurgical—otological procedure through the middle cranial fossa.

Dehiscence of the bony roof of the superior semicircular canal in the middle cranial fossa

2002 ◽  
Vol 116 (7) ◽  
pp. 514-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atsunobu Tsunoda ◽  
Omi Terasaki
Keyword(s):  
Semicircular Canal ◽  
Simulation Models ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Cadaveric Specimen ◽  
Superior Semicircular Canal ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
Dry Bone ◽  
Computer Simulation Models ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa Surgery ◽  
Clinical Problems

Spontaneous dehiscence of the superior semicircular canal (SSC) in the middle cranial fossa is rare and may cause clinical problems. This dehiscence was investigated in cadaveric and dried temporal bone specimens. One cadaveric specimen showed a spontaneous defect: the dehiscence was a symmetrical, elongated ellipse with smooth margins. Four of 244 dry bone specimens showed bony defects in the roof of the SSC, however, only one specimen was thought to have a spontaneous defect. Based on computer-simulation models, we hypothesized that spontaneous defects of the SSC may arise during the fetal period. Although rare, this defect may cause problems in middle cranial fossa surgery and may relate to certain vertiginous disorders.

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