Role of high resolution computed tomography in evaluation of temporal bone diseases

ABSTRACT

Background: The imaging modalities for evaluation of temporal bone are plain radiographs, multidirectional tomography, angiography, CT and MRI Plain X-ray is an inexpensive method to study temporal bone, but results in an inaccurate diagnosis Multidirectional tomography provides excellent bony details; however, soft tissues can’t be delineated Also, there is increased radiation to the eye lens Angiography is the gold standard for evaluation of vascular lesions but is invasive with the risk of complications The aim of the present study was to evaluate Role of High Resolution Computed Tomography in Temporal Bone Diseases and correlate HRCT image based findings with the operative and pathological findings to determine the accuracy of HRCT findings wherever possible Materials and methods: This prospective study was done in Department of Radiodiagnosis & Imaging of Govt Medical College Srinagar, J&K in collaboration with the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, in patients suspected of having temporal bone disease All the patients who were, suspected of unsafe chronic serous otitis media (CSOM), evaluation of congenitally deaf child, having known or suspected deformities of inner, middle or external ear, tinnitus or vertigo, tumors of temporal bone and temporal bone fracture were included in the study While exclusion criteria included, Patients of age <1 or >70 years Results: Various findings associated with temporal bone trauma on HRCT showed 10 cases of Hemotympanum, 6 with facial nerve involvement, 2 with Labyrinthine involvement and Intracranial involvement was seen in 6 cases In the current study 9 patients had symptomatic congenital anomalies involving various structures of the ear and temporal bone