Gianpaolo Jannelli1, Alessandro Moiraghi2,3, Alberto Delaidelli4,5, Karl Schaller2, Aikaterini Fitsiori6, Enrico Tessitore2. 1. Neurosurgical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland. gianpaolo.jannelli@hcuge.ch. 2. Neurosurgical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland. 3. Department of Neurosurgery, GHU Paris - Sainte-Anne Hospital, Paris, France. 4. Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1L3, Canada. 5. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada. 6. Division of Neuroradiology, Diagnostic Department, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Extensive craniocervical pneumatization (CCP) refers to an abnormal pneumatization extended from the temporal bone into adjacent bone structures, especially the skull base and the craniocervical junction. The etiology remains controversial; however several studies reported a correlation with recurrent Valsalva maneuvers or Eustachian tube dysfunction. Although some cases requiring surgical treatment have been reported, conservative treatment remains the gold standard. The authors aimed to describe a case of CCP, complicated by a spontaneous fracture of a pneumatized left occipital condyle. Furthermore, they reviewed all previously reported cases of fractures in CCP in order to propose a standardized approach to this pathology. METHODS: A total of 148 studies were retrieved. Of those, 23 studies (including 26 patients in addition to our case) were included in the review. These studies consisted of case reports or small case series (up to 3 patients). RESULTS: In 3 patients (11.1%), bone pneumatization involved C0; all remaining patients had both C0 and C1 pneumatization, while in 7 cases (25.9%), an extension to C2 and/or C3 was reported. Radiological follow-up was performed in 20 patients (74.1%), showing in all of the cases either stability (6 patients, 22.2%), improvement, or complete resolution (6 patients, 22.2% vs 8 patients, 29.7%). Two patients underwent surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that fractures secondary to CCP are extremely rare and are associated to a good clinical and radiological outcome with conservative treatment. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) evaluation is recommended to detect cases who need treatment for a subjacent middle ear disease.
INTRODUCTION:Extensive craniocervical pneumatization (CCP) refers to an abnormal pneumatization extended from the temporal bone into adjacent bone structures, especially the skull base and the craniocervical junction. The etiology remains controversial; however several studies reported a correlation with recurrent Valsalva maneuvers or Eustachian tube dysfunction. Although some cases requiring surgical treatment have been reported, conservative treatment remains the gold standard. The authors aimed to describe a case of CCP, complicated by a spontaneous fracture of a pneumatized left occipital condyle. Furthermore, they reviewed all previously reported cases of fractures in CCP in order to propose a standardized approach to this pathology. METHODS: A total of 148 studies were retrieved. Of those, 23 studies (including 26 patients in addition to our case) were included in the review. These studies consisted of case reports or small case series (up to 3 patients). RESULTS: In 3 patients (11.1%), bone pneumatization involved C0; all remaining patients had both C0 and C1 pneumatization, while in 7 cases (25.9%), an extension to C2 and/or C3 was reported. Radiological follow-up was performed in 20 patients (74.1%), showing in all of the cases either stability (6 patients, 22.2%), improvement, or complete resolution (6 patients, 22.2% vs 8 patients, 29.7%). Two patients underwent surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that fractures secondary to CCP are extremely rare and are associated to a good clinical and radiological outcome with conservative treatment. Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) evaluation is recommended to detect cases who need treatment for a subjacent middle ear disease.