Anatomy & Physiology: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Bilateral Duplication of the Sphenoidal Emissary Foramen: A Case Report with Implications for Surgeries using Transovale Cannulation

Zdilla MJ, Cyrus LM, Laslo JM and Lambert HW

The sphenoidal emissary foramen (SEF) is an inconsistent foramen located in the middle cranial fossa. The SEF may transmit a sphenoidal emissary vein (of Vesalius), dural venous sinus, nervolulus sphenoidalis lateralis, or an accessory middle meningeal artery. Prior reports have noted SEF to exist unilaterally and bilaterally. Duplication of the SEF has also been documented to occur unilaterally. The case reported herein documents a bilateral duplication of the SEF. Because the SEF are occasionally cannulated by mistake in procedures which attempt to access the middle cranial fossa via the foramen ovale, knowledge of the bilateral duplication of the SEF is important for neurosurgeons and radiologists.