Chinese Journal Of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2011, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (1): 63-66.

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Multi-slice CT angiography of the mastoid emissary vein and imaging anatomy

SHENG Bo, Lü Fu-rong, Lü Fa-jin, XIAO Zhi-bo,YOU Yun-feng, LIU Nan   

  1. Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
  • Received:2010-07-20 Published:2011-01-24

Abstract:

Objective To explore and delineate the mastoid foramen and the mastoid emissary vein for clinical operation. Methods A total of 67 images of mastoid emissary vein canaliculus(MEVC)  were obtained by three-dimensional reconstruction after CT angiography of head and neck, to determine the position of the mastoid foramen and to observe mastoid emissary vein canaliculus. Results The number and location of the mastoid foramen and the MEVC are variable; the external aperture outnumbers the internal aperture of MEVC in larger amounts. The external aperture of MEVC is mainly located at the range of 1.5 cm backward connecting line between asterion to mastoidale, exactly located at neighboring middle point of right side of asterion around 1.5 cm. The internal aperture of MEVC is mainly located at the range of 1 cm forward connecting line between asterion to mastoidale; Most of them are located at the range around 1 cm of vertical line of crossed midpoint of connecting line between asterion to mastoidale as well . The abovementioned range is the trajectory of the mastoid emissary vein. Conclusions There are complicated anatomical variations in the mastoid foramen and the mastoid emissary vein,which can be finely evaluated by CT angiography.

Key words: Mastoid foramen, Mastoid emissary vein, Anatomy, CT

CLC Number: