Learning objectives
to recognize multimodality imaging signs of most common non-traumatic diseases affecting the temporal bone in the acute setting and to perform a correct differential diagnosis,
in order to decrease the time it takes to perform correct clinical care.
Background
The temporal bones comprise the lateral skull base,
forming portions of the middle and posterior fossae.
Each temporal bone is composed of five osseous parts: the squamous,
mastoid,
petrous,
tympanic,
and styloid portions.
Temporal bone represents a crucial site of skull base: within temporal canals and foramina are located vascular and nervous structures (petrous internal carotid artery and 7th and 8th cranial nerves),
middle ear structures (tympanic membrane,
ossicles) and inner ear components (bony and membranous labyrinth,
perilymphatic spaces).
Temporal bone is also contigous to...
Findings and procedure details
INFECTIOUS-INFLAMMATORY LESIONS
Several inflammatory conditions may affect the temporal bone.
The inflammatory diseases of the temporal bone are generally classified
according to the site of origin: external ear,
middle ear and mastoid,
petrous apex and inner ear.
Necrotizing or malignant otitis externa occurs most commonly in elderly diabetic patients and other patients in immunocompromised states,
as an infection usually caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa high mortality rate.
The patients present with severe otalgia and otorrhea.
Infection can then spread via fissures of Santorini into the soft...
Conclusion
In the acute scenario radiologist plays a central role in clinical decision making regarding non-traumatic temporal bone lesions and complications.
References
Interactive Web-based Learning Module on CT of the Temporal Bone: Anatomy and Pathology
Grace S.
Phillips,
Sung E.
LoGerfo,
Michael L.
Richardson,
Yoshimi Anzai
RadioGraphics2012;32:E85–E105•Published online 10.1148/rg.323115117
Imaging of the temporal bone
joel D.
Swartz,
Laurie A.
Loevner
4th edition Thieme
New York - Stuttgart
CT as first diagnostic approach in non-traumatic conditions of temporal bone
M.
Bernabéu Rodríguez,
B.
Gutierrez Martinez,
I.
Herrera,
M.
E.
Capilla,
M.
T.
Fernández Taranilla,
R.
G.
G.
Gonzalez,
J.
M.
Garcia Benassi; Toledo/ES
ECR 2016 -Educational Exhibit
DOI:...