Imaging contributions to the temporal bone anatomy (high jugular fossae)

Abstract

A high jugular fossa, above the lower border of the round window, sometimes with a diverticulum-like protrusion from the top, was found in 23% of an unselected material, usually associated with low pneumatization. They were more common in the right than the left temporal bone. The high jugular fossa has a varying anatomy and its topographic relationship has been evaluated. The laterally situated fossa could be dehiscent to the tympanic cavity and intrude upon the round window or the ossicles. The high, medial fossa encroached in some cases upon structures in the inner ear, such as the vestibule, the cochlear and vestibular aqueducts, the posterior semicircular canal, the cochlea or the mastoid portion of the facial canal and this was considered in relation to the symptoms in a clinical material.