Bilateral Arteria Stapedia Persistens. A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Persistent arteria stapedia is only reported in about thirty cases. Arteria stapedia is a normal, fetal structure which connects arteria carotis interna with arteria meningea media (from arteria carotis externa). Normally it disappears at the end of the first trimester.

A case of bilateral persistent arteria stapedia in a four-year old girl with bilateral cholesteatoma of the middle ear and a striking “syndrome-like” appearance is presented.

Chromosomal and clinical findings are discussed.

Key Words:

• Arteria stapedia persistens
• chromosomal anomalies