Usefulness of Cone-Bean Computed Tomography Exams to Detect Foramen of Huschke in Diverse Age Group

The foramen of Huschke (FH) is present in the early stages of the temporal bone tympanic portion development. The literature shows that FH may persist in adult individuals and several authors acknowledge its clinical importance, reporting being associated with the dissemination of diseases. Some authors believe that FH presents importance in archeology and forensic situations. Considering that the identification of FH by conventional imaging methods is extremely impaired or impossible due to overlapping bone structures and that cone-bean computed tomography presents quality in the evaluation of this structure, the authors conducted this research to determine the FH prevalence and dimensions through the Invivo5 software, and correlated its size with age. The foramen was present in 19 scans (12.7%), 6 (8.8%) were present among male and 13 (15.8%) among female. The χ2 test was performed, with no statistically significant difference for gender and age. Considering the age, in individuals aged 7 to 18 years, 16.4% of persistent FH was found compared with 10.5% in individuals over 18 years of age. The diameter ranged from 2.58 to 3.28 mm. No correlation was found between size and age (p between 0.25 and 0.88). The authors conclude that the cone-bean computed tomography is an examination that allows the correct evaluation of the FH and, although the persistence of this unusual anatomical variation presents different frequencies in the different populations and age groups, it can have clinical consequences, so that the professionals who work in the area must be aware of its existence. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Rosana Mara Adami Tucunduva, MsC, Al. Octávio Pinheiro Brisola, 9-75 – Bauru, SP 17012-901, Brazil; E-mail: fob@usp.br, enroen@hotmail.com Received 1 July, 2018 Accepted 22 August, 2018 The authors report no conflicts of interest. © 2018 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

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