Elongation or Angulation of Styloid Process: Discussion with a Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Styloid process of temporal bone is a pointed projection from the petrous part of temporal bone which ranges with an average of 25 mm in length, and any process longer than 30 mm is defined as the "Elongated Styloid Process”. In asymptomatic cases, diagnosis is usually made with routine radiological examination, but morphological aspects of styloid process can be eva­luated with different imaging modalities. Although digital panoramic radiographs are sufficiently accurate for the diagnosis of elongated styloid process, multislice computed tomography scan with 3D reconstruction can further assist in determining the actual length and correct relationship with the surrounding adjacent anatomical structures. The aim of this case report is to investigate the morphological characteristics of an unilateral elongated styloid process (ESP) using both conventional and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) on a 55 year old asymptomatic male patient and to review the literature.