Computed-tomography evaluation of parietal foramen topography in adults: a retrospective analysis

Anwar Al-Shuaili; Eiman Al-Ajmi; Sreenivasulu Reddy Mogali; Sara Al-Qasmi; Younis Al-Mufargi; Rajeev Kariyattil; Srinivasa Rao Sirasanagandla

doi:10.1007/s00276-023-03284-8

Computed-tomography evaluation of parietal foramen topography in adults: a retrospective analysis

Surg Radiol Anat. 2024 Mar;46(3):263-270. doi: 10.1007/s00276-023-03284-8. Epub 2024 Jan 27.

Authors

Anwar Al-Shuaili¹, Eiman Al-Ajmi², Sreenivasulu Reddy Mogali³, Sara Al-Qasmi⁴, Younis Al-Mufargi⁵, Rajeev Kariyattil⁶, Srinivasa Rao Sirasanagandla⁷

Affiliations

¹ Radiology Residency Program, Oman Medical Specialty Board, Muscat, Oman.
² Department of Radiology and Molecular Imaging, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
³ Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
⁴ College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
⁵ Armed Forces Medical Services, Muscat, Oman.
⁶ Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
⁷ Department of Human and Clinical Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoudh 123, Muscat, Oman. srinivasa@squ.edu.om.

PMID: 38280004
DOI: 10.1007/s00276-023-03284-8

Abstract

Background: The parietal foramen (PF) of the skull is a variable anatomic feature with important implications for venous drainage, infection, and injury. Its topography is clinically relevant for neurosurgeons for intracranial navigation and preoperative planning.

Methods: PF topography was investigated in a series of 440 head computed-tomography scans of Omani subjects at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. The mean age of the patients was 52 ± 17 years and there were 160 males and 280 females. The topography features of the PF, including frequency, diameter, patency, and relative position in relation to the superior sagittal sinus (SSS), were recorded. Additionally, sex and laterality differences in PF parameters were analyzed using a Chi-square test.

Results: The overall prevalence of PF was 72.3% (318/440). The bilateral presence of PF was identified in 34% of skulls. Unilateral right-side prevalence was 18.2%, while left prevalence was 13.2% (p = 0.62). The prevalence of unilateral accessory PF on the right side was 1.8%, while it was 1.1% on the left (p = 0.69). PF within the sagittal suture/or intra-sutural PF was observed in 6.8% of skulls, with a frequency of 9.4% in men and 5.4% in women (p = 0.29). The diameter of the PF was 1.45 ± 0.74 mm on the right side, and 1.54 ± 0.99 mm on the left side (p = 0.96). There were 2% of incomplete PF. The PF was located over the SSS in 70.3% on the right side and 53.8% on the left side. No significant differences were observed between the PF topography parameters and sex or laterality.

Conclusion: The present study for the first time reports the baseline data of PF topography in a large sample of CT scans in the Arab population. The geography and race influence the PF topography differences. PF may be used as a reliable landmark of SSS. The morphological characteristics and distribution of PF reported in this study have clinical implications for imaging diagnosis, intracranial navigation of vascular disorders, and treatment.

Keywords: Arabs; Computed tomography; Diagnostic imaging; Foramen; Skull; Topography.

MeSH terms

Adult
Aged
Female
Head
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Retrospective Studies
Sphenoid Bone*
Superior Sagittal Sinus
Tomography, X-Ray Computed*