Learning objectives
In this review,
we aimed to define congenital craniocervical junction (CCJ) anomalies by detecting them in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) scans that routinely performed for other medical reasons.
Knowledge of the normal anatomy of CCJ and awareness of the abnormal findings of CCJ anomalies will help to diagnose many diseases in daily routine.
Background
2.1 Anatomy
The craniocervical junction anomalies are classified as congenital,
developmental,
and acquired.
Many congenital anomalies have been described in this region.
In this review,
we present the anomalies as those related to the occipital,
atlas and axis bones.
Fig. 1
The craniocervical junction(CCJ) is composed of three bone structures: atlas(C1),
axis(C2) and the occiput.
These structures are approximated at two major joints,
the atlantooccipital and atlantoaxial joints.
The atlantoaxial joints enable head rotation around the dens axis,
whereas the atlantooccipital joints primarily allow flexion,...
Findings and procedure details
Despite CT is obviously superior to MR in diagnosis of craniocervical junctional bone anomalies,
these anomalies are recognized by MR as well [7].
In this exhibition,
CT and MR evaluation were done by using normal line and angle values.
Herein we present CT and MR images of CCJ anomalies for each case.
We used classification of Chen and Liu.
This is an educational exhibit.
No scientific data will be presented.
Congenital Anomalies
1.Occipital bone
1.1 Platybasia
Platybasia identified it as an X-ray finding.
The simplest...
Conclusion
Due to CCJ anomalies,
brain stem,
medulla spinalis,
cranial nerves,
basilar artery,
vertebral arteries may be compressed.
Suboccipital and neck pain are related mostly CCJ.
CT evaluates bones very well,
but MRI is absolute necessary in joint,
ligament,
vascular and soft tissue evaluation.
We hope to raise awareness of CCJ anomalies for young radiologists in daily neuroradiology routine.
If you have detected a CCJ anomaly,
start evaluating immediately for other anomalies.
Personal information
İstanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Education and Researh Hospital
Neuroradiology Department
Radiologist MD.
Begümhan BAYSAL
Radiologist MD.
Başak ATALAY
Residents:
MD.
Muzaffer AYAZ
MD.
Canver ÖNAL
MD.
Emrah DUMAN
MD.
Suna EDİZ ŞAHİN
MD.
Yıldız GÜLSEREN
MD.
İsmet GÜLMEZ
MD.
Hasan ERTÜRK
MD.
Servet ERDEMLİ
MD.
Mehmet Bilgin ESER
MD.
Ayşenur BUZ
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