The Middle Temporal Vein on Computed Tomographic Angiography: Implications for Filler Injection and Reconstructive Surgery.

[BACKGROUND] Detailed knowledge of middle temporal vein (MTV) anatomy would benefit health care professionals when performing filler injection and reconstructive surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the variation and course of the MTV using computed tomographic angiography.

[METHODS] Computed tomographic angiography images of 300 MTVs from 150 Asian patients were evaluated in this study. The course and branching pattern of the MTVs were evaluated, as well as the relationship between the location of the MTV and the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery. The diameter of the MTV and the distances between anatomic landmarks and temporal vessels were measured.

[RESULTS] The MTV was identified in all images, with an average diameter of 2.98 ± 0.80 mm. All MTVs had at least one major trunk; 12.3% had two major trunks. According to the landmarks, the MTV ran 16.3 ± 8.1 mm, 24.8 ± 4.5 mm, and 24.2 ± 4.6 mm above bony lateral canthus, jugale, and zygion point, respectively. Regarding the relationship between the MTV and the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery, most of the superficial temporal arteries (81.7%) were located above the MTVs, whereas only 9.0% of the superficial temporal arteries crossed the MTVs. The superficial temporal artery was located 43.5 ± 9.6 mm, 44.3 ± 11.9 mm, and 37.0 ± 11.9 mm above the bony lateral canthus, jugale, and zygion point, respectively.

[CONCLUSION] Detailed knowledge of MTV anatomy will provide a valuable reference for safe filler injection and reconstructive surgery in the temporal region.

[CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE] Therapeutic, V.