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.

A static, unilateral, and focal bone depression located lingually within the ascending ramus, identical to the Stafne's bone cavity of the angle of the mandible, is being reported. During development of the mandible, submandibular gland inclusion may lead to the formation of a lingual concavity, which could contain fatty tissue, blood vessels, or soft tissue. However, similar occurrences in the ascending ramus at the level of the parotid gland are extremely rare. Similar cases were previously reported in dry, excavated mandibles, and 3 cases were reported in living patients. A 52-year-old African American male patient was seen for pain in the mandibular teeth. Panoramic radiography showed an unusual concavity within the left ascending ramus. Cone-beam computed tomography confirmed this incidental finding. The patient was cleared for the extraction of non-restorable teeth and scheduled for annual follow-up.
Adipose Tissue ; Blood Vessels ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography* ; Depression* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidental Findings ; Male ; Mandible ; Middle Aged ; Parotid Gland ; Radiography, Panoramic ; Salivary Glands* ; Submandibular Gland ; Tooth

The aim of this report is to present two cases of canalis basilaris medianus as identified on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in the base of the skull. The CBCT data sets were sent for radiographic consultation. In both cases, multi-planar views revealed an osseous defect in the base of the skull in the clivus region, the sagittal view showed a unilateral, well-defined, non-corticated, track-like low-attenuation osseous defect in the clivus. The appearance of the defect was highly reminiscent of a fracture of the clivus. The borders of osseous defect were smooth, and no other radiographic signs suggestive of osteolytic destructive processes were noted. Based on the overall radiographic examination, a radiographic impression of canalis basilaris medianus was made. Canalis basilaris medianus is a rare anatomical variant and is generally observed on the clivus. Due to its potential association with meningitis, it should be recognized and reported to avoid potential complications.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography* ; Cranial Fossa, Posterior ; Dataset ; Meningitis ; Skull ; Skull Base

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.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography* ; Cranial Fossa, Posterior ; Humans ; Incidental Findings ; Mandible ; Maxilla ; Multidetector Computed Tomography ; Pathology ; Skull Base

The incidental finding of an enlarged mastoid foramen on the right posterior mastoid region of temporal bone is reported, together with a discussion of its clinical significance. A 67-year-old female underwent the pre-implant assessment of a maxillary left edentulous region. A cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) image was acquired and referred for consultation. Axial CBCT slices revealed a unilateral, well-defined, noncorticated, low-attenuation, transosseous defect posterior to the mastoid air cells in the right temporal bone. The borders of the osseous defect were smooth and continuous. No other radiographic signs suggestive of erosion or sclerosis were noted in the vicinity. The density within the defect was homogenous and consistent with a foramen and/or soft tissue. The patient's history and physical examination revealed no significant medical issues, and she was referred to a neuroradiologist for a second opinion. The diagnosis of an enlarged mastoid foramen was made and the patient was reassured.
Aged ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Incidental Findings ; Mastoid* ; Physical Examination ; Referral and Consultation ; Sclerosis ; Temporal Bone

In this report, we describe the incidental finding of an oropharyngeal mass in a patient who presented with a chief complaint of temporomandibular pain. The patient was initially evaluated by an otorhinolaryngologist for complaints of headaches, earache, and sinus congestion. Due to worsening headaches and trismus, he was further referred for the management of temporomandibular disorder. The clinical evaluation was uneventful except for limited mouth opening (trismus). An advanced radiological evaluation using magnetic resonance imaging revealed a mass in the nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal region. The mass occupied the masticatory space and extended superioinferiorly from the skull base to the mandible. A diagnostic biopsy of the lesion revealed a long-standing human papilloma virus (HPV-16)-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx. This case illustrates the need for the timely radiological evaluation of seemingly innocuous orofacial pain.
Biopsy ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Earache ; Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) ; Facial Pain ; Headache ; Human papillomavirus 16 ; Humans ; Incidental Findings* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Mandible ; Mouth ; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms ; Oropharynx ; Papillomaviridae ; Skull Base ; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders* ; Trismus

Historically, Eagle syndrome is a term that has been used to describe radiating pain in the orofacial region, foreign body sensation, and/or dysphagia due to a unilateral or bilateral elongated styloid process impinging upon the tonsillar region. Because elongated styloid processes–with or without associated Eagle syndrome–can present with various symptoms and radiographic findings, it can be challenging for healthcare practitioners to formulate an accurate diagnosis. Abnormal styloid anatomy can lead to a multitude of symptoms, including chronic orofacial/neck pain, thus masquerading as more commonly diagnosed conditions. In this report, we describe a patient who presented to our department with styloid process elongation and fracture. A careful history, physical examination, and a conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) investigation led to the diagnosis. The patient was then referred for appropriate care. This case report demonstrates the utilization of CBCT in differentiating a fracture site from a pseudo-joint that might mimic a fracture.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Deglutition Disorders ; Delivery of Health Care ; Diagnosis ; Eagles ; Foreign Bodies ; Humans ; Neck Pain ; Neck ; Physical Examination ; Sensation