Learning objectives
To learn about a spectrum of rare pathologies involving congenital or acquired bone defects in the skull base that can have clinical manifestations.
Primary bone tumors,
metastases,
aggressive intracranial malignancies involving bone,
and other aggressive lesions are not covered.
Background
Many diseases with widely varying pathophysiology and clinical presentations can manifest as bone defects in the skull base.
In function of the symptoms,
radiologists should know the best first-line imaging test as well as whether other tests are necessary in function of the imaging findings.
To interpret radiological findings,
it is essential to know the normal anatomy and anatomical variants as well as the specific findings for different pathologies.
Findings and procedure details
After defects caused by tumors or infections are excluded,
skull base bone defects can be classified into two groups:
1.
CSF fistulas: when there is a communication between the intracranial and extracranial spaces.
Most bone defects are in this group.
2.
Bone defects without communications between the intracranial and extracranial spaces:
Vascular anomalies: dehiscent carotid artery,
dehiscent high-riding jugular bulb.
Dehiscence in the petrous portion of the temporal bone: petrous apex cephalocele,
dehiscent semicircular canal and dehiscent facial nerve canal.
1.CEREBROSPINAL FLUIDFISTULAS
INTRODUCTION
A CSF...
Conclusion
Various diseases present with bone defects in the skull base; familiarity with their clinical and radiological presentations is essential to ensure the right diagnosis.
Some of these conditions can lead to potentially serious complications; thus,
early diagnosis and treatment are vital.
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