Multiple Variations at the Base of an Adult Skull: Implications in Radiology and Skull Base Surgery

Knowledge of variations at the base of the skull may be important for academic, anthropological, forensic, and clinical purposes, especially in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and while performing safe radical surgery. This report presents multiple variations at the base of an adult Indian skull. The variations noted include the presence of foramen of Civinini bilaterally, absence of carotid canal on the left side, reduced size of foramen lacerum on the left side, presence of petro-occipital foramen bilaterally, asymmetry between the jugular fossae, and asymmetrical occipital condyles. The rare, multiple variations reported here might be useful for neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and radiologists.