CASE REPORT
The middle clinoid process, a variation of parasellar region of sphonoid
 
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Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland
 
These authors had equal contribution to this work
 
 
Submission date: 2024-07-10
 
 
Final revision date: 2024-10-16
 
 
Acceptance date: 2024-10-17
 
 
Online publication date: 2025-02-13
 
 
Corresponding author
Jan Sienicki   

Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland, Warszawska 30, 11-041, Olsztyn, Poland
 
 
 
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Middle clinoid process (MCP) is a very important structure in surgeries performed on the parasellar and sellar regions. MCP is a bony eminence located on the body of the sphenoid, posteriorly to the anterior clinoid process and anteriorly to the posterior clinoid process. It becomes clinically important when it reaches the height of at least 1.5 mm. It can form many variations, the most common is the caroticoclinoid foramen.

Aim:
To evaluate detailed knowledge, profound understanding of MCP and its role during parasellar region operations.

Case study:
During studies at Department of Anatomy, a dry skull specimen projecting bilaterally clinically important MCP was found. This skull belonged to a 60 years old Caucasian male.

Results and discussion:
It becomes clinically important when it reaches the height of at least 1.5 mm. The mean height measures 2.59 mm. MCP occurs in about 40% of the population. It can project either unilaterally or bilaterally. No significant differences between age or sex were observed.

Conclusions:
Recognition of MCP or its variations on preoperative imaging is crucial for planning endonasal approach in treatment of paraclinoidal ICA aneurysm, pituitary adenomas or clinoidectomies.
FUNDING
None declared.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None declared.
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