Mormal high resolution computed tomography of the petrous bone

ABSTRACT

This study included thirty volunteers [15 males and 15 females] complemented by five dry skull. The ages of the volunteers were ranged from 15 to 65 years with a mean of 45 years. All cases were subjected to HRCT examination using CT GE PROSPFED PLUS VER 04.00. Both axial and coronal scan were done at 1 mm slice thickness and all CT findings obtained from volunteers and dry skull were observed, the appropriate projection for viewing the different structures was obtained and the normal radiological anatomy was observed with resulting normal variations. There are many clinical implications of this new methodology. CT provides a precise technique for the evaluation of soft-tissue masses within the air-filled middle ear and mastoid. It is also very helpful in evaluating postoperative complications from a mastoidectomy. CT is especially useful in assessing the tympanic membrane and in visualizing partly hidden structures such as the sums tympani