Radiological evaluation of temporal bone disease: high-resolution computed tomography versus conventional X-ray diagnosis

Abstract

Sixty-two patients with different temporal bone lesions were prospectively examined by high-resolution computed tomography (CT) and conventional plain radiography, including pluridirectional tomography. High-resolution CT enabled a clear diagnosis in 80% of cases, conventional radiology in 63%; 1.6-times more bone information was recorded by high-resolution CT which is clearly superior for imaging cholesteatomas, metastases and inflammatory processes and for evaluating osseous destruction. With regard to pathological soft tissue or effusions filling the tympanic cavities, conventional radiology shows poor sensitivity (0.61). High-resolution CT is the most sensitive method for the imaging and classification of temporal bone fractures, including labyrinthine damage and ossicular chain injuries. Only in cases of atypical fractures with an unfavourable relationship to the CT planes, can carefully directed tomography be more effective. In most cases high-resolution CT replaces conventional radiology and should be the method of choice for comprehensive radiological examination of the temporal bone.

Role of high resolution computed tomography in the evaluation of temporal bone lesions: our experience

“…The HRCT temporal bone gives valuable information for evaluation of congenital anomalies, inflammatory diseases, otosclerosis, tumors and cerebellopontine angle lesions, post-operative mastoid cavities, anatomical variants as well as temporal bone trauma. 6 In otitis media and mastoiditis, HRCT shows nonspecific debris within middle ear and mastoid, possibly with several fluid levels. In coalescent mastoiditis, CT will show erosion of the mastoid septations with associated development of intramastoid empyema.…”

Effect of bisphosphonate treatment in patients with Paget's disease of the skull

“…CT can also reveal thickening of the stapedial footplate, which may significantly contribute to hearing loss. The mastoid process might show bone thickening, demineralization or a mosaic pattern [12].…”

Evaluation de l'os temporal par coupes anatomiques et coupe TDM

“…The internal acoustic meatus is best visualized and can be evaluated especially in the comparative stu-172 M Hayran et al: Evaluation of the temporal bone by anatomic sections and CT scan 20.1 mm,anatomic section and corresponding CT section 20,1 mm coupe anatomique et coupe TDM correspondante dies with the other temporal bone of the patient. Ossicular chain dislocation and injuries of the inner ear can be visualized better by CT than conventional tomography except for those of stapes [7,12]. Lateral oblique views appear to be most useful to observe malleoincal joint, handle of the malleus (manubrium mallei) and processes of the incus [11].…”

“…This can be demonstrated by transverse sections. In cases of cholesteatoma, determination of the exact extend of the tumor mass, including bony erosions is possible through the CT [7,9,10,15]. Additionally, high resolution CT is really helpful for the diagnosis of temporal bone fractures [1,8,12].…”