Clinoid process aeration

Case contributed by Naim Qaqish
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Headache.

Patient Data

Age: 55 years
Gender: Female

Brain

mri

There is evidence of oval shape signal void at the site of the left optic foramen intracranially and the left internal carotid artery is circling around it. This area did not show any enhancement and it was not connected with the left internal carotid artery on intracranial MRA. Further evaluation by CT is recommended.

High resolution limited brain

ct

Normal variant aeration of the left anterior Clinoid process of the sella turcica communicating with the left compartment of the sphenoid sinus is seen.

Case Discussion

This lady presents with a headache, known to have hypertension and diabetes. MRI was requested and showed an oval shape signal void in close proximity to the internal carotid artery. However, the possibility of an aneurysm was excluded by the administration of contrast which did not show enhancement unless indicating a totally thrombosed aneurysm that would appear iso-intense. Non-enhanced CT scan of the brain was followed and showed aeration of the left anterior clinoid process.

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