The role of MRI and spiral CT with 3D reconstruction techniques in the temporal bone tumor surgical treatment

Abstract

The aim of the study was to present and compare the diagnostic value of MRI and spiral CT with 3D reconstruction techniques in the surgical treatment of the temporal bone tumors. The study group comprised of nine patients aged 22–75. A clinical suspicion of temporal bone tumors was made preoperatively. All the studied patients underwent the CT and MRI study prior to surgical treatment. The spiral CT protocol was as follows: slice thickness 1–2 mm, with 1 mm index and pitch 1.0. in axial and/or coronal planes. Following this, MPR and 3D SSD were deployed. The MRI study was performed with 1.5 T unit, in T1- and T2-weighted images (axial and coronal planes) using SE and CISS-3D sequence. Surgical findings (confirmed with histopathology result) were as follows: four hemodectomas, two cholesteatomas, two carcinomas of external auditory meatus and one angiosarcoma. Conclusions: 1. The MRI study appeared to have a higher diagnostic value than CT study in the assessment of tumor spread in the surrounding soft tissues and intracranial invasion.2. CT with MPR and 3D reconstruction appeared to have significantly higher diagnostic value in bone destruction assessment.3. MRA with axial GE scans makes the jugular foramen visualization as well as the hemodectomas vascular changes significantly more apparent.4. The CISS-3D sequences appeared to be a reliable method in visualizing the degree of inner ear and cranial nerves destruction. © 2003, Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.