Abstract

AIM
Knowing the distance between the superior and inferior border of Parkinson's triangle and the location of the abducent nerve within the cavernous sinus is important to decrease the complications which may occur during surgery. We aimed to investigate the cavernous sinus to decrease the complications that may occur during surgery to this area. MATERIAL and
METHODS
Fifty MRIs without pituitary gland abnormality were chosen for radiological assessment of CS. These images were from 18 males and 32 females, with ages ranging from 9 to 58 years and a median age of 28 years. We evaluated structures within and on the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus (especially Parkinson's triangle) with magnetic resonance imaging. The position of the abducent nerve and its level according to the cranial nerves running close the lateral wall were examined.
RESULTS
At the level of pituitary stalk, the distance between the trochlear nerve and the ophthalmic nerve ranged from 1 to 4 mm bilaterally. The abducent nerve was located between the trochlear and the ophthalmic nerves in 30% cases bilaterally.
CONCLUSION
The knowledge of the position of the abducent nerve will provide a great benefit in minimizing the rate of complications that may occur during the resection of tumors of the cavernous sinus.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Kirici Y, Kilic C, Kocaoglu M

Institution

Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Department of Anatomy, Ankara, Turkey. ykirici@gata.edu.tr

Source

Turkish neurosurgery 21:4 2011 pg 545-8

MeSH

Abducens Nerve
Adolescent
Adult
Carotid Artery, Internal
Cavernous Sinus
Cerebrovascular Circulation
Child
Cranial Fossa, Middle
Female
Functional Laterality
Genetic Variation
Humans
Imaging, Three-Dimensional
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Middle Aged
Neuronavigation
Ophthalmic Nerve
Pituitary Gland
Retrospective Studies
Sella Turcica
Sphenoid Sinus
Trochlear Nerve
Young Adult

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22194114