Fossa navicularis magna detection on cone-beam computed tomography.
- Author:
Ali Z SYED
1
;
Mel MUPPARAPU
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Skull Base; Clivus Fossa, Posterior; Multidetector Computed Tomography
- MeSH: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography*; Cranial Fossa, Posterior; Humans; Incidental Findings; Mandible; Maxilla; Multidetector Computed Tomography; Pathology; Skull Base
- From:Imaging Science in Dentistry 2016;46(1):47-51
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: 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.
