[Studies on the compression of the external carotid artery in the region of the styloid process of the temporal bone].

The styloid process syndrome and the stylo-keratohyoid syndrome are well-known diseases caused by an elongated styloid process of the temporal bone or by ossification of the derivations of the second branchial arch. The cause of the complaint is a compression of neighbouring vessels, nerves and soft tissues. 85 anatomical specimens were investigated in respect of a compression of the external carotid artery by the stylohyoid muscle. In 7 cases we found an impression of the vessel caused solely by the stylohyoid muscle without ossification of the derivations of the second branchial arch or elongation of the styloid process. In some cases the posterior auricular artery was also compressed. In addition, the extent of the stenosis of the external carotid artery was examined quantitatively. At least a histological examination was performed. The symptoms of the diseases are discussed by a review of the literature. Difficulties in X-ray diagnosis or diagnosis by bimanual palpation are pointed out.