• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.47-51
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• 2016

Herein, we report and discuss the detection of fossa navicularis magna, a close radiographic anatomic variant of canalis basilaris medianus of the basiocciput, as an incidental finding in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. The CBCT data of the patients in question were referred for the evaluation of implant sites and to rule out pathology in the maxilla and mandible. CBCT analysis showed osseous, notch-like defects on the inferior aspect of the clivus in all four cases. The appearance of fossa navicularis magna varied among the cases. In some, it was completely within the basiocciput and mimicked a small rounded, corticated, lytic defect, whereas it appeared as a notch in others. Fossa navicularis magna is an anatomical variant that occurs on the inferior aspect of the clivus. The pertinent literature on the anatomical variations occurring in this region was reviewed.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.351-361
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• 2021

Purpose: The clivus is a region in the anterior section of the occipital bone that is commonly imaged on large-volume cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). There have been several reports of incidental clivus variations and certain pathological entities that have been attributed to the variations. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of these variations within the scope of dentistry. Materials and Methods: Medical databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched using a controlled vocabulary (clival anomalies, cone-beam CT, canalis basilaris medianus, fossa navicularis magna, clival variation). The search was limited to English language, humans, and studies published in the last 25 years. The articles were exported into RefWorks^® and duplicates were removed. The remaining articles were screened and reviewed for supporting information on variations of the clivus on CBCT imaging. Results: Canalis basilaris medianus and fossa navicularis magna were the most common anomalies noted. Many of these variations were asymptomatic, with most patients unaware of the anomaly. In certain cases, associated pathologies ranged from developmental (Tornwaldt cyst), to acquired (recurrent meningitis). While no distinct pathognomonic aspects were noted, there were unique patterns of radiographic diagnosis and treatment modalities. Most patients had a normal course of follow-up. Conclusion: Interpretation of CBCT volumes is a skill every dentist must possess. When reviewing large-volume CBCT scans, the clinician should be able to distinguish pathology from normal anatomic variations within the skull base. The majority of clivus variations are asymptomatic and will remain undetected unless incidentally noted on radiographic examinations.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.207-218
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• 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to define the prevalence and characteristics of skull base anomalies and the features of sphenoid sinus pneumatization (SSP). Materials and Methods: Five hundred cone-beam computed tomography scans were evaluated retrospectively for the presence of fossa navicularis magna (FNM), canalis basilaris medianus (CBM), sphenoid emissary foramen (SEF), and/or Onodi cells (OC). Patterns of the SSP and sphenoid sinus mucosa dimensions (SSMD) were also recorded. Results: The prevalence of FNM, CBM, SEF, and OC was 26.0%, 22.4%, 47.4%, and 18.4%, respectively. Two hundred sixty-two (52.4%) sellar-type SSP were defined, followed by post-sellar 191 (38.2%), pre-sellar 31 (6.2%), and conchal 16 (3.2%) types. The frequency of SSMD less than 1 mm, 1-3 mm, and greater than 3 mm was 40.6%, 38.4%, and 21.0%, respectively. An SEF was detected more frequently in females, while SSMD greater than 3 mm was more frequent in males. An FNM was more prevalent in the 18-29 and 30-39 age groups and SEF was significantly less frequent in patients over 60 years of age compared to other age groups. A sinus mucosa larger than 3 mm was more common in the younger than 18 year group. The frequency of post-sellar-type pneumatization was lower in patients younger than 18 years. Conclusion: Skull-base anomalies are common and may be detected incidentally during imaging procedures. The sphenoid sinus, its variations, and pneumatization patterns should also be taken into consideration in imaging procedures performed for various purposes.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.468-472
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• 2024

In this report, atlantooccipital assimilation (AS), anterior arch defect (AAD), and posterior arch defect (PAD) of the atlas, and several variations around the craniocervical junction were identified on computed tomography (CT) of a patient of unknown sex and age. Coronal and sagittal CT scans showed AS and bilateral fusion of the atlas and the base of occipital bone. Axial CT scan at the atlas revealed PAD type B on the left side and midline AAD. Morphometric measurements indicated a potential ventral spinal cord compression. In addition, mid-sagittal CT revealed the presence of fossa navicularis magna and incomplete formation of the transverse foramen on the right side. This study reports an extremely rare AS associated with AAD, PAD, and other variations of the clivus and the atlas. To our knowledge, no similar case has been reported in the literature.