Does the orientation of the styloid process cause Eagle Syndrome? An anatomical study of the styloid process in 72 Greek skulls

Abstract

Introduction: Patients often suffer from an elongated styloid process. This clinical entity is well known and is described as Eagle syndrome. The presence of this anatomical variation is not always associated with symptoms. However, there is a strong correlation between the elongated styloid process and Eagle syndrome. Aim: This study aims to calculate the incidence of elongated styloid processes in the Greek population, to analyze the morphometric characteristics of styloid processes, and to compare these among sexes. Materials and methods: This is a single-center retrospective study. All skulls were donated to the Department of Anatomy, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki from January 2013 to May 2019 for research purposes. A Styloid process longer than 30mm was considered elongated. We used Welch’s t-test for the statistical analysis of the data. Results: The prevalence of elongated styloid processes was 35%. The average diameter was 3.32 mm and the average total length was 25.02 mm. There was no statistically significant difference between male and female skulls, though the female styloid processes were slightly longer and the male slightly wider. Symmetry was recorded in 31% of skulls. The average axial angle was 650 but in 4% of cases, it was less than 200. Conclusions: The elongated styloid process is not a rare entity. Eagle syndrome should always be considered in the differential diagnosis when patients report chronic sore throat. Our anatomical findings add a new dimension to the etiopathogenesis of Eagle syndrome.

Autonomic Nervous System Regulation Effects of Epipharyngeal Abrasive Therapy for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Associated With Chronic Epipharyngitis

“…was diagnosed with chronic epipharyngitis according to Tanaka's diagnostic criteria [ 4 ]. When patients complain of sore throat or dysphagia without any particular findings, a differential diagnosis is made with consideration of diseases such as elongation of the styloid process (Eagle syndrome) [ 16 ]. From July 2017 to April 2018, 288 patients with chronic epipharyngitis were examined, and 29 patients underwent EAT while monitoring the electrocardiogram: total mean age = 39.8 ± 17.1 years; five males (mean age = 26.2 ± 17.5 years); 24 females (mean age = 42.6 ± 15.9 years); and male-to-female ratio = 1:4.8.…”

Stylohyoid Chain Syndrome (Eagle Syndrome) in Conjunction with Carotid Artery Dissection: A Case Report of Surgical Treatment

“…Elongated styloid processes are relatively rare, with an incidence of between 3.3% and 35% in the general population. It is widely recognized that approximately 4% of individuals with this condition will experience symptoms [3,4].…”