Bilateral cranioorbital foramina (Hyrtl foramina): crucial anatomical findings in the management of giant olfactory groove meningioma - a case report and literature review

J Surg Case Rep. 2024 Aug 24;2024(8):rjae476. doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjae476. eCollection 2024 Aug.

Abstract

Presence of bilateral cranio-orbital foramina, AKA Hyrtl foramina is rare yet existing. They carry the risks of retinal artery emboli due to reflux embolization for the neurovascular interventionalists, navigating complexities in olfactory groove meningioma management. A 59-year-old woman with progressive frontal lobe syndrome presented a large olfactory groove meningioma primarily supplied by bilateral sphenopalatine arteries together with bilateral anterior cerebral arteries, necessitating risky preoperative embolization and meticulous resection. This case underscores the intricate nature of vascular supply in frontal skull base tumors, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary approaches, thorough preoperative planning, and detective research to optimize treatment outcomes.

Keywords: Hyrtl foramina; anatomical findings; bilateral cranioorbital foramina; giant olfactory groove meningioma; neurosurgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports