ABSTRACT

This case report presents three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) findings in the diagnosis of Eagle`s syndrome that is characterized with an elongated styloid process or a calcified stylohyoid ligament causing craniofacial or cervical pain. We have performed 3D-CT in three patients suspected to have this condition. Coronal images were taken in two patients and axial images in one patient with a spiral CT scanner. 3D-CT images were then produced. The length of the styloid process in the case suspected of right elongated styloid process was 45.6 mm (left styloid process, 37 mm). In the second case suspected of left elongated styloid process, the length of the left styloid process was 41.1 mm (right styloid process, 40.2 mm). In the last case suspected of right elongated styloid process, the length of the right styloid process was 40.6 mm (left styloid process, 38.9 mm). 3D-CT is a valuable diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of Eagle?s syndrome because of its ability to facilitate accurate measurement of the length of the styloid process.

Keywords: facial pain, tomography, spiral computed, imaging, three dimensional