Imaging Sci Dent.  2019 Sep;49(3):251-256. 10.5624/isd.2019.49.3.251.

Condylar jugular diverticulum: A report of 3 cases

• Jagtap R
• Wazzan T
• Hansen M
• Kashtwari

• KMID: 2458375
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2019.49.3.251

Abstract

Jugular bulb diverticulum is an irregular extension of the jugular bulb into the temporal bone that may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. The jugular bulb has rarely been reported to extend into the occipital condyle; such extension is termed a condylar jugular diverticulum and is characterized as a defect in the occipital condyle contiguous with the jugular bulb. This report details 3 cases of condylar jugular diverticulum. Extension of the jugular bulb into the ipsilateral occipital condyle was noted as an incidental finding on cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images of 3 patients. All 3 patients were asymptomatic, and this finding was unrelated to the initial area of interest. CBCT use is becoming ubiquitous in dentistry, as it allows 3-dimensional evaluation, unlike conventional radiography. Proper interpretation of the entire CBCT is essential, and recognition of the indicators of condylar jugular diverticulum may prevent misdiagnosis of this rare entity.

Keyword

Radiology; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Growth and Development; Jugular Veins; Diverticulum; Temporal Bone

MeSH Terms

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography
Dentistry
Diagnostic Errors
Diverticulum*
Growth and Development
Humans
Incidental Findings
Jugular Veins
Radiography
Temporal Bone

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A. A coronal cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) image demonstrates extension of the right jugular bulb into the ipsilateral occipital condyle. B. An axial CBCT image depicts maintenance of the jugular spine (large arrow) and a mucus retention pseudocyst in the left maxillary sinus as an incidental finding (small arrow). C. A sagittal CBCT image shows irregular expansion of the jugular bulb into the occipital condyle. D. A sagittal CBCT image indicates a dilated jugular bulb.

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  Fig. 2 A. A coronal cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) image depicts extension of the left jugular bulb into the ipsilateral occipital condyle. B. An axial CBCT image demonstrates maintenance of the jugular spine (yellow arrow) and well-aerated mastoid air cells on the left side compared to those on the contralateral side (red arrows). C. A sagittal CBCT image shows irregular expansion of the jugular bulb into the occipital condyle. D. A sagittal CBCT image clearly indicates a dilated jugular bulb.

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  Fig. 3 A. A coronal cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) image shows extension of the right jugular bulb into the ipsilateral occipital condyle. B. An axial CBCT image demonstrates maintenance of the jugular spine. C. A sagittal CBCT image depicts expansion of the jugular bulb into the occipital condyle (yellow arrow) and an incidental finding of sinusitis of the right maxillary sinus (red arrow). D. A sagittal CBCT image clearly indicates a dilated jugular bulb.

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