The Size and Shape of the C4 Segment of the Intracavernous Carotid Artery Intermediate to the Petrolingual Ligament and the Abducens Nerve: Implications for Neurosurgery

Abstract

Neurosurgical management of the neurovascular structures encompassed within the cavernous sinus may be aided by improved understanding of neurovascular anatomical relationships. Therefore, this study assessed the morphometry of the C4 segment of the intracavernous carotid artery as it relates to the petrolingual ligament and abducens nerve in cadavers. A total of 40 sides were assessed (18 female and 22 male sides). The area of the carotid artery intermediate to the petrolingual ligament and the abducens averaged 17.56±10.86mm2 (Mean±SD). The anterior and posterior distances from the petrolingual ligament to the abducens nerve averaged 3.12±1.72mm and 3.17±1.58mm, respectively. Further, unpaired T‐tests revealed no significant differences between sexes with regard to the area (p = 0.82), anterior distance (p = 0.96), and posterior distance (p=0.94). Further, three morphotypes for the window between the petrolingual ligament and abducencs were identified; namely, quadrilateral (n=30), triangular (n=8), and atretic (n=2). The results of this study will help improve the approach to lesions including C4 aneurysms and local tumors including those of the abducens.Support or Funding InformationFunding: WV Research Challenge Fund [HEPC.dsr.17.06]This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.