Unilateral absence of foramen spinosum with bilateral ophthalmic origin of the middle meningeal artery: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Bilateral ophthalmic origin of the middle meningeal artery with an unilateral absence of foramen spinosum has not yet been described. We report on a skull with endocranial meningeal grooves indicating bilateral ophthalmic origin of the middle meningeal artery, however, its branches were normal both in their position and distribution. In addition, a rare venous sinus variation was present unilaterally — a sinus of Hyrtl. Imaging identification of the anomalous origin of the middle meningeal artery is important while planning surgical and endovascular interventions in the middle cranial fossa and the orbit.