RESUMO
Objective To investigate and analyze the clinical and imageological features of skull base erosion in nasopharyngeal carcinoma( NPC). Methods 67 NPC patients proved by pathology were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent both CT and MRI plain plus enhancement scan. Scan slices were performed from oral pharynx (lower border of second cervical vertebra) to suprasellar cistern by axial CT scans and axial, sagittal and coronal MRI scans. Results (1) 52 patients with skull base erosion were found with MRI, and only 35 patients with CT. The following structures and figures were difined with CT and MRI respectively: pterygoid plates 8,14; clivus 22,25 ; petrous apex 25 ,28 ; sphenoid body or sinus 19,25; sphenoid wing 9, 12; cavernous sinus 14,17. The display difference between CT and MRI had statistical significance ( x2= 9. 47 , P = 0. 02). (2) CT- defined skull base erosion was most bone destruction , however, not only bone destruction but also tumor crossing skull base structure could be defined by MRI. (3) The incidence of headache was 82.7% (43/52) , cranial nerve palsy was 67. 3% (35/52) , both headache and cranial nerve palsy was 57. 7% (30/52). Conclusion Headache and cranial nerve palsy are primary characteristics of the skull base erosion in NPC. MRI is superior to CT in defining both bone erosion and brain tissue abnormality.