Variations of the ophthalmic and middle meningeal arteries: relation to the embryonic stapedial artery.

Recognition of the anatomic variations of the ophthalmic and middle meningeal arteries may be pertinent in tailoring the angiographic study to resolve a given clinical problem. An understanding of these anomalies is based on knowledge of the normal embryology. Unfortunately some early aspects of vascular development remain obscure.

The jugular "notch".

A characteristic "notch" in the petrous bone is described in relation to the superior outline of the jugular foramen. This notch seems to be a congenital anomaly and has a close relationship with ectasia of the dome of the internal jugular vein, as was demonstrated in two patients.

Ceruminous tumor of the jugular foramen.

Intrapetrous ceruminomas are rate tumors; only four cases have been reported in the literature. These had characteristics of cerebellopontine angle tumors. Our case had the characteristics of a tumor of the jugular foramen.

Epidermoid cysts of the spleen.

The authors report three cases of epidermoid cyst of the spleen. A squamous cell lining was found in all three. One patient had a history of antecedent trauma, and in the surgical specimen the gross and histologic features were compatiible with splenic damage.

[Angiographic findings in chondrosarcomas].

In chondrosarcomas, angiography may be helpful in confirming malignancy, delineating the anatomic extent and detecting recurrence. The angiographic findings in three chondrosarcomas are demonstrated including a vertebral one, abrupt narrowing of tumor vessels, neovascularlity and accumulation of contrast medium during the capillary phase. Changing calibre of arteries and neovascularity are better seen on selective angiograms and after subtraction technique.