The Pharyngo-Tympano-Stapedial Variant of the Middle Meningeal Artery

Abstract

Atypical origin of the middle meningeal artery from the cervical internal carotid artery is a rare angiographic finding. We describe a case of the pharyngo-tympano-stapedial variant of the middle meningeal artery in a young patient. In this vascular variation the proximal segment of the middle meningeal artery, corresponding to an annexed inferior tympanic artery, originates from the cervical carotid artery. Then over the promontory it unites with the superior tympanic artery and continues with its intracranial course via the petrous branch.