Duplication of optic canal (a figure of eight anomaly) – case report with review of literature

Abstract

A duplication of optic canal was discovered on the right side of the skull during routine osteology class of Head and Neck in the Department of Anatomy at Sri Siddhartha Medical College (SSMC). The main canal was larger and situated as usual in the normal position, gives passage to the optic nerve whereas the accessory canal was smaller than the main canal and was positioned inferolateral to it, transmits the ophthalmic artery. The bony septum separating the two canals was approximately 3mm in length and 1mm in thickness. The duplicated optic canal is a rare anomaly of the optic canal which every radiologist, ophthalmologist, and neurosurgeon needs to be aware of. Imaging studies may aid in elucidating its true etiology corresponding with the age and time of onset of the duplicate optic canal.