Foramina parietalia permagna: the ins and outs

Abstract

Foramina parietalia permagna or enlarged parietal foramina are a rare variant estimated to be less than 1 in 25,000 cases. Out of 150 dry macerated skulls studied one skull showed 2 large parietal foramina measuring 17.38 x 27.67 mm (right) and 15.31 x 25.46 mm (left) in size. Between them, across the sagittal suture, was a transverse communicating suture interrupted by 3 very small wormian bones. There is no denial of the fact that this familial transmitted trait is caused by erratic ossification due to gene mutations. The clinical importance lies in these being markers for underlying neural or bone pathology or metabolic syndrome. The enlarged parietal foramina as expressed by the eyes at the back remain a curious anatomical but a definite clinico-pathological entity.