Clinical profile of patients with anomalies of the Craniovertebral junction

Abstract

The Craniovertebral (or Craniocervical) junction (CVJ) is a collective term that refers to the occiput (posterior skull base), atlas, axis, and supporting ligaments. It encloses the soft tissue structures of the Cervicomedullary junction (medulla, spinal cord, and lower cranial nerves) and is visible in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging studies of the brain. The craniocervical junction is a complex articulation between occiput, atlas and axis is an important and often poorly understood anatomic area. It is a potential site of variety of radiologic diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Patients with a clinical suspicion of CVJ abnormalities will be evaluated by CT and Magnetic Resonance Imaging during the course of the study. No selection bias will be exercised in terms of patients' age, sex and pathology. Imaging characteristics of radiological modalities like CT and MRI will be recorded. Final diagnosis will also be noted. The results will be analyzed and studied. Combination of OA+AAD was seen in 20% patients. Combination of BI+OA was seen in 14.2% and BI +OA+AAD was seen in 7.1% patients and meant a localized congenital affection affecting both atlas and basiocciput. ACM I and Syringomyelia are the commonest neural anomalies associated with bony CVJ anomalies.