title: Craniocervical pneumatization.
abstract: Craniocervical bony pneumatization is a rare finding, with limited numbers of cases reported in the literature. It is thought to be linked to Eustachian tube dysfunction and a ball valve mechanism, and has a link with recurrent Valsalva maneuvers. We report a case of pneumatization of the occiput, atlas (C1) and axis (C2) in a patient with extensive ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) surgical history who presented following a fall. Plain film, CT and MRI images are presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK.
authors.forename: Alan James
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Quigley
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, UK.
authors.forename: Helen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shannon
mesh_terms: D001270:Cervical Atlas / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004646:Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009777:Occipital Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D035583:Rare Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
keywords: Cervical Spine; Craniocervical Pneumatization; Eustachian Tube Dysfunction; Occiput