Learning objectives
Make a complete and didactic approach to temporal bone anatomy, highlighting anatomic landmarks, variations and pitfalls, while quickly mentioning the main pathologies on each site.
Background
The temporal bone contains multiple, tiny structures and it is known by its extremely minutious anatomy. Most of its components are not accessible by clinical exam, highlighting the role of the radiologist on patient's evaluation.
Findings and procedure details
The temporal bone is classically divided in five osseous parts : squamous, mastoid, petrous, tympanic and styloid, each of them presenting their own anatomic landmarks and pathologies. [Fig 1]
The most common radiological methods used for temporal bone evaluation are computed tomography (CT) an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The CT is the method of choice for bone evaluation, while the MRI can add information regarding, for an example, the membranous labyrinth.
Some reformations are used for better evaluation of the temporal bone structures, such as...
Conclusion
The temporal bone radiological evaluation is a challenge to professionals who are not familiar with its highly complex anatomy. We hope that, with this exhibition, specialists and general radiologists be at least more comfortable when facing a temporal bone exam on head and neck daily practice.
Personal information and conflict of interest
C. A. F. Coelho Neto:
Nothing to disclose
M. d. O. Sarpi:
Nothing to disclose
L. G. P. Duarte:
Nothing to disclose
M. R. T. Garcia:
Nothing to disclose
S. A. Souza:
Nothing to disclose
References
Juliano AF, Ginat DT, Moonis G. Imaging review of the temporal bone: part I. Anatomy and inflammatory and neoplastic processes. Radiology. 2013 Oct;269(1):17-33. doi: 10.1148/radiol.13120733. PMID: 24062560
Juliano AF, Ting EY, Mingkwansook V, Hamberg LM, Curtin HD. Vestibular Aqueduct Measurements in the 45° Oblique (Pöschl) Plane. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2016 Jul;37(7):1331-7. doi: 10.3174/ajnr.A4735. Epub 2016 Mar 24. PMID: 27012297.
Lacout A, Marsot-Dupuch K, Smoker WR, Lasjaunias P. Foramen tympanicum, or foramen of Huschke: pathologic cases and anatomic CT study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2005...