RADIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION OF THE EAR DISEASE

1. Plain x-ray films are of limited use nowadays.

2. Computed tomography (CT), usually with iodinated intravenous contrast, gives the best bony definition of the temporal bone. CT scanning does the best assessment of congenital abnormalities as well as bone destruction by tumor or infection.

3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium gives excellent soft tissue definition of structures in and around the temporal bone. Therefore, inflammatory lesions and tumors are well defined but not the bony lesions.

4. Angiography of temporal bone lesions, especially glomus tumors, may help in defining their extent and blood supply.

Newer non-invasive magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA) techniques may replace angiography.

Category: Radiology Notes