The influence of the subarcuate artery in the superior semicircular canal dehiscence and its frequency on stillbirths: illustrative cases and systematic review

• Published in: Acta oto-laryngologica Vol. 138; no. 5; pp. 437 - 442
• Main Authors: Bom Braga, Gabriela Pereira, Noble, Jack H., Gebrim, Eloisa Maria Mello Santiago, Labadie, Robert F., Bento, Ricardo Ferreira
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis 04-05-2018
• Subjects: Arteries - embryology; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Semicircular canal; Semicircular Canals - abnormalities; Semicircular Canals - blood supply; Semicircular Canals - diagnostic imaging; Stillbirth; subarcuate artery; superior semicircular canal dehiscence; Temporal Bone - diagnostic imaging; tinnitus; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; vertigo; subarcuate artery; tinnitus; vertigo; Semicircular canal; superior semicircular canal dehiscence
• ISSN: 0001-6489; 1651-2251
• DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2017.1416169

Literature describes that on the 25th gestational week the labyrinth is fully formed and with adult size. However, recent studies have shown that the cranial and labyrinth development continues until 3 years of age.
Objectives: To demonstrate through tomographic study the frequency of semicircular canal dehiscence on nine specimens of stillbirths between 32 and 40 weeks and, through literature review, present another possible etiology for its cause.
Methods: Tomographic study of the temporal bone of 9 specimens of stillbirths between 32 and 40 weeks.
Results: A frequency of 88.89% of alterations were found in our study, with 44% presenting bilateral alterations and 44% unilateral alteration; 11.11% had no dehiscence.
Conclusion: The tomographic study showed superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) in 88% of the specimens studied, protrusion of the superior semicircular canal (SSC) in all fetuses, and an enlarged SSC that may be caused by the expansion process provoked by the subarcuate artery entering the subarcuate canaliculus, leading to SSCD.