Learning objectives
To recognise the normal anatomy of Styloid process
To Define Eagle’s syndrome
To Identify the clinical features of Elongated styloid process
To review the radiological modalities for diagnosis
To Identify and classify the different types of elongated styloid process on Multi Detector Computed Tomography
Background
The styloid process is situated anterior to the stylomastoid foramen,
and develops from the second branchial arch,
specifically the proximal Reichert’s cartilage.
It is a cylindrical bony projection,
and has a pointed end of variable length projecting downward and forward from the inferior surface of the petrous part of the Temporal Bone,
and attaches to the lesser cornu of the hyoid bone via the styloid - hyoid ligament.
Styloglosssus,
stylopharyngeus and stylohyoid muscles and the stylomandibular ligament attach to the styloid process.
(Fig 1 )...
Findings and procedure details
Helical scans (140 kV,
220 mAs/section,
0.315 pitch,
0.67-mm thickness,
0.33-mm increment,
16 × 0.625 collimation,
the orbitomeatal line as a scanning baseline),
were performed on all cases using a Philips Brilliance 16 multidetector scanner (Philips Healthcare,
Cleveland,
Ohio) with axial,
coronal and sagittal reconstructions in bone and soft tissue windows.
Further Volume rendered and Surface shaded display 3 Dimensional reconstructions were performed using Philips Extended Brilliance workspace software and measurements of the styloid process taken using electronic callipers.
The styloid process often demonstrates a...
Conclusion
Eagle’s syndrome develops due to an elongation or deformation of the styloid process and ossification of the stylohyoid ligament.
Radiological analysis is the basic method for diagnosis.
Surgical resection of elongated styloid process is indicated with the failure of conservative treatment.
Radiologists have an important role to play in the diagnosis of Eagle’s syndrome.
References
Shreehari Ambika Krishnan,
Krishnaprasad Kondajji Ramachandra,
Saravanan Sampoornam Pape Reddy Carotid type of Eagle's syndrome.
Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology 2015; 19(3) : 336-338
Nelson AS,
Madani H,
Ganguly A,
and Nixon PP.
"Eagle's Syndrome." EURORAD.
European Society of Radiology,
29 July 2011.
Web.
07 Dec.
2015
Fini G,
Gasparini G,
Filippini F,
Becelli R,
Marotullio M.
The long styloid process or Eagle’s syndrome.
Journal of Cranio- Maxillofacial Surgery 2000; 28:123- 127
Eagle WW.
Elongated styloid process.
Report of two cases.
Archives of Otolaryngology...