Aberrant drainage of posterior condylar emissary vein and abnormal orifice of hypoglossal canal: surgical implications in the transcondylar fossa approach for VA-PICA junction aneurysm

Abstract

Background: The posterior condylar emissary vein (PCEV) and posterior condylar canal (PCC) are anatomical landmarks for identifying important structures like jugular tubercle and occipital condyle in surgical approach to the foramen magnum and condylar fossa. Several anatomical variations have been described. Drainage into the jugular bulb is found to be commonest.

Method: A 70-year-old patient with unruptured vertebral artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) junction aneurysm-underwent surgical clipping via transcondylar fossa approach.

Result: Preoperative computed tomography demonstrated an abnormal communication existed between the left-sided PCC and hypoglossal canal (HC). The PCEV was identified draining into a dilated venous channel/pouch at the "hip" of sigmoid sinus (junction of sigmoid sinus and jugular bulb). Intra-operatively, an occipital artery-PICA bypass was performed. The PCEV was skeletonized, coagulated, and divided to achieve hemostasis. The lateral and cranial drilling around PCC was successful at safeguarding the underlying contents of HC (in medial and caudal extent).

Conclusion: Preoperative angiography and detailed morphometric analysis of the PCC were helpful in planning surgical approach-identifying and controlling the PCEV, and skeletonization of the PCC without compromising the hypoglossal nerve and anterior condylar emissary vein.

Keywords: Hypoglossal canal; Posterior condylar canal; Posterior condylar emissary vein; Transcondylar fossa approach.