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Temporal lobe injury in temporal bone fractures.
R M Jones1, M I Rothman, W C Gray
1Mann Ear Nose and Throat Clinic, Cary, NC, USA.
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|February 19, 2000
Summary
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 46% incidence of temporal lobe contusions in patients with temporal bone fractures, a higher rate than detected by computed tomography (CT). MRI is valuable for preoperative assessment of potential brain injuries.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Longitudinal temporal bone fractures can lead to intracranial injuries.
- Accurate assessment of associated brain trauma is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of intracranial injury, specifically temporal lobe injury, in patients with temporal bone fractures.
- To compare the diagnostic utility of MRI and CT in identifying these injuries.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 27 patients with temporal bone fractures.
- Evaluation using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Main Results:
- MRI demonstrated adjacent middle cranial fossa meningeal enhancement in all 12 fully evaluated patients.
- Ipsilateral temporal lobe contusions were identified in 46% of fractures via CT and MRI.
- MRI detected 4 additional cerebral contusions not visible on CT.
Conclusions:
- MRI reveals a higher incidence of temporal lobe injuries associated with temporal bone fractures compared to CT.
- MRI is valuable for preoperative evaluation, documenting pre-existing injuries before middle cranial fossa surgery.