[Computed tomography of the normal and pathologic temporal bone]

Abstract

High-resolution computed tomography scanning (CT) allows depiction of microanatomic structures of the temporal bone. CT is useful for detecting several pathologic conditions of the temporal bone such as congenital malformations, particularly in young children with sensorineural hearing loss. Some external, middle and inner ear structures are difficult to evaluate. The objective of this study has been to provide the key planes in coronal and axial planes (five coronal planes and three axial planes) but also with oblique planes reconstruction (two planes) for normal temporal bones evaluation. These standardized planes help to improve visualization of the main congenital malformations. Identification of obvious morphogenetic malformations (Michel aplasia, Mondini deformity….) is not difficult. However, less severe dysplasia may be missed or normal micro anatomic structures in newborn misreaded.