Carotico-Clinoid Foramen and Associated Clinical Significance: Comprehensive Review

The carotico-carotid foramen occurs due to the ossification of the carotico-carotid ligament or dural fold stretching between the anterior and middle clinoid processes. The foramen is closely related to the cavernous sinus, pituitary gland, sphenoidal air sinus, and internal carotid artery irrigating the major part of the cerebrum (part of the brain). Due to the close association of the carotico-clinoid foramen with the aforementioned intracranial structures that may be affected by the formation of an anomalous foramen creating various neurological complications. Therefore, the study was carried out. The aim of the study is to consolidate all the data relating to the carotico-clinoid foramen to make it available to neurosurgeons as a ready reference. For this, the literature was surveyed using various databases, and the terms related to the carotico-clinoid foramen and associated clinical significance have been elucidated. The literature survey brought out that this foramen is congenital in origin and it is of three types, of which the third type is the most dangerous, as it may cause severe hemorrhage, creating a plethora of complications. The other two types may compress the internal carotid artery, causing ischemic changes in the brain. The information provided by this study will be of utmost use to neurosurgeons to carry out surgical interventions in the vicinity of the carotico-clinoid foramen.