Preoperative assessment of the individual anatomy of the superior petrosal vein complex using balanced fast field echo magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND

Here, we sought to examine the validity and reproducibility of balanced fast field echo (bFFE) for assessing superior petrosal vein (SPV) complex (SPVC) anatomy.

METHODS

Preoperative bFFE or equivalent scans and operative videos were studied and directly compared with regard to the individual anatomical features of SPVCs and their relation to the operative field. The anatomical details of the bFFE findings of the non-operated side (group 2) of all 50 patients were then reviewed, including the presence of petrosal-galenic anastomosis, and finally compared to the operated SPVCs (group 1).

RESULTS

A complete correlation between bFFE and intraoperative findings was observed in 62% of cases and had a significant correlation with 3 Tesla magnet strength and higher pixel bandwidth (rbis = - 0.47; p = 0.005). The sensitivity and specificity of bFFE magnetic resonance imaging were 93.7 and 95.2%, respectively, for detecting an SPV disturbing the operative field, and 97.3% and 95% for a disturbing tributary, respectively. Each group had 50 SPVCs, with a total of 70 and 64 SPVs, 10 and 11 general SPVC configurations, as well as 29 and 28 different individual anatomical variations in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Both groups had 1-3 SPVs with a similar distribution of frequencies [Chi-square (4) = 27.56; p = 0.0145 (Fisher's exact test)]. The similarity of the general configurations was not statistically significant. The same four predominant configurations constituted 80% of the SPVCs in each group. The vein of the cerebellopontine fissure was most frequently found in 86% and 88% of cases, and a petrosal-galenic anastomosis was seen in 38% and 40% of groups 1 and 2, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Individual SPVC variations are extensive. Good quality bFFE or equivalents are feasible for preoperative SPVC assessments. However, methods improving vascular visualization are recommended.

Case report of a novel nonsyndromic unilateral syndactyly of the hand

Syndactyly is a cutaneous and/or bony digital malformation with possible webbing of adjacent fingers or toes and uni- or bilateral occurrence. We report an 84-year old woman with a novel non-syndromic congenital malformation of her left hand. Clinical examination showed that she only had four digits. Radiograph of the hand revealed synostosis of the second and third proximal phalanx, resulting in a triangular shaped bone with relatively normal articulations at both ends. The phalangeal base of the fused finger tapers distally and is broader than the middle phalangeal bases of the ring and little finger. This malformation does not fit in any of the known types of syndromic or non-syndromic syndactylies. Our case report highlights that radiological imaging is crucial for identification of bony syndactyly and correct classification of a given syndactyly. Knowledge of the different types of syndactylies is important because certain malformations may occur as a defining part of a syndromic disease.