: the line connecting the arcuate eminence and the postero-medial corner of the geniculate ganglion – nerve V – the line connecting the arcuate eminence and posterior aspect of nerve V where it crosses the crest of the petrous apex.

The Kawase triangle is shown to be a safe anatomical landmark for anterior petrosectomy.

Landmarks described by Borghei-Razavi et al. avoid damage to the vital anatomical structures during access to the posterior fossa through middle fossa, despite temporal bone anatomical variations and different tumor sizes ¹⁾

This area is also known as The Rhomboid.

Removal of the petrous bone within this triangle/quadrangle is an anterior petrosectomy.

Borders: Mandibular Nerve (V3)

greater superficial petrosal nerve (GSPN)

Arcuate Eminence

Superior Petrosal Sinus

-or-

GSPN

Arcuate Eminence

A line connecting the hiatus fallopii and Meckel's Cave

Contents:

Petrous Apex

IAC

Vertebrobasilar Junction