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High resolution CT study of the chorda tympani nerve and normal anatomical variation

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Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to define the normal anatomical variation of the course of the CTN through the mastoid temporal bone on high resolution CT (HRCT).

Materials and methods

Retrospective review of 27 consecutive normal HRCT bilateral temporal bones (n = 54, 14 males and 13 females, mean age 41 years) reconstructed at 0.4-mm slice thickness specifically measuring (1) origin of CTN from the posterior genu of the facial nerve (CNVII) and (2) the lateral-most position of the CTN from the mastoid segment of CNVII.

Results

The mean distance of the CTN origin from the mastoid segment of CNVII was 11.5 mm (standard deviation, SD = 3.2, 95 % CI 10.7–12.3) with no statistically significant difference between the left and right side observed (p = 0.08). The most lateral distance of the CTN from CNVII was a mean of 1.3 mm (SD = 0.6, 95 % CI 1.2–1.7), range 0–2.5 mm and again no statistical significance between contralateral sides was observed (p = 0.11). These measurements demonstrated an excellent level of agreement between observers as assessed by intraclass correlation calculation.

Conclusions

Reproducible measurements demonstrate variability of the CTN in both its origin from the mastoid segment of CNVII and its lateral-most course. Precise description of the course of the CTN with HRCT may be useful for planning of otologic surgery and limiting inadvertent nerve injury.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. Neither I nor my immediate family members have a financial relationship with a commercial organization that may have a direct or indirect interest in the content of this manuscript (DS, CC-TH, SB, MS, GNCK, RJ).

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Correspondence to Dalveer Singh.

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Singh, D., Hsu, C.CT., Kwan, G.N.C. et al. High resolution CT study of the chorda tympani nerve and normal anatomical variation. Jpn J Radiol 33, 279–286 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-015-0417-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-015-0417-2

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