Learning objectives
To know and understand the CT and MR anatomy of the skull base.
To analyze the different pathologies which can affect this region.
Background
SKULL BASE ANATOMY
The anatomy of the skull base is complex and its knowledge is essential for the treatment planning of the different processes that could affect this area.
The skull base is formed by two paired bones,
frontal and temporal,
and 3 unique,
ethmoid,
sphenoid and occipital.
It is divided in anterior,
middle and posterior cranial fossa and contains several canals of practical relevance (Fig. 1).
ANTERIOR CRANIAL FOSSA
Formed by:
- orbital plates of the frontal bone
- ethmoid with its components: horizontal...
Imaging findings OR Procedure details
SKULL BASE PATHOLOGY
Different entities which affect the skull base include congenital pathology,
traumas,
infections,
inflammation and tumours.
In the followings,
we present some examples of skull base pathology:
Clinical case–Meningiomaof the olfactory sinus (Fig. 3and Fig. 4),neurinomasin both internal auditory conducts (Fig. 4) and bulbarastrocytoma(Fig. 3) in a young woman with type II neurofibromatosis.
Meningioma – the most frequent intracranial extraaxial tumour,
predominantly supratentorial,
the peak age prevalence is between 35 and 65 years and it manifests a predilection for the feminine gender.
There...
Conclusion
CT and MR studies provide crucial information of the skull base anatomy and of the extension of many pathologic processes contributing to a better therapeutic planning of every patient.
References
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Personal Information
Nicolae Sarbu - radiology resident,
Hospital Clinic of Barcelona,
Spain