title: [Paraclinoid region: descriptive anatomy and radiological correlations with MR imaging].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The paraclinoid region has a complex anatomy. The purpose of this study was to depict in details its anatomical landmarks and their radiological translations with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten anatomical specimens (20 paraclinoid regions) were prepared, then dissected and further analyzed with MRI in order to describe their important radio-anatomical structures (dural folds, osseous surfaces, arteries and nerves) along with their course and measurements, and the reference points of the carotid distal dural ring. The paraclinoid MR protocol consisted in a T2 high-resolution sequence with thin and contiguous slices acquired in a coronal (diaphragmatic) and sagittal oblique (carotid) plane. Reproducibility in living subjects was evaluated on 15 patients (30 paraclinoid regions). Statistical comparison was made between laboratory and MR measurements obtained on cadavers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A detailed description of paraclinoid anatomy and structures was provided. Its landmarks were satisfactorily identified with the dedicated MR protocol. Reproducibility in living subjects was obtained. No statistical difference was found between laboratory and MR measurements.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides a precise description of paraclinoid anatomical structures and their radiological correlations. This paraclinoid MR protocol allows locating paraclinoid lesions in comparison with the cavernous sinus roof, which is of paramount importance for the management of paraclinoid carotid artery aneurysms.
authors.affiliation: Faculté de médecine de Lille, université Lille-2, 59800 Lille, France.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tamakloe
authors.forename: T L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Le
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Thines
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baroncini
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Peltier
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zairi
authors.forename: J-P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Lejeune
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Legars
authors.forename: J-P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Pruvo
authors.forename: J-P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Francke
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004210:Dissection; D006801:Humans; D002532:Intracranial Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009880:Ophthalmic Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009900:Optic Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D019291:Skull Base / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging