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Incidental petrous apex findings on magnetic resonance imaging
J P Leonetti1, H Shownkeen, S J Marzo
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Loyola Center for Cranial Base Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 South First Ave., Maywood, IL 60153, USA. jleonet@luc.edu
Abstract:
We performed a retrospective chart review to categorize a group of petrous apex findings that were noted incidentally on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 88 patients. These patients were among those who had been seen at a tertiary care center between July 1988 and July 1998. These incidental findings, which were unrelated to the presenting clinical manifestations, included asymmetric fatty bone marrow (n = 41), inflammation (19), cholesterol granulomas (14), cholesteatomas (9), and neoplasms (5). Followup imaging and clinical surveillance of these patients has not demonstrated any significant change in the incidentally detected lesions. In all cases, the incidental MRI findings represented benign pathology.
Insights
Incidental findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the petrous apex in 88 patients were reviewed. Most findings, including fatty bone marrow and inflammation, were benign and showed no significant changes over time.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurosurgery
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Petrous apex lesions can be incidentally discovered during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Understanding the nature and behavior of these incidental findings is crucial for appropriate patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To categorize incidental petrous apex findings identified on MRI.
- To determine the clinical significance and follow-up requirements for these lesions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 88 patients with incidental petrous apex findings on MRI.
- Analysis of imaging and clinical data from a tertiary care center (1988-1998).
Main Results:
- Common findings included asymmetric fatty bone marrow (41), inflammation (19), cholesterol granulomas (14), cholesteatomas (9), and neoplasms (5).
- No significant changes were observed in incidentally detected lesions during follow-up imaging and clinical surveillance.
- All identified incidental petrous apex findings represented benign pathology.
Conclusions:
- Incidental petrous apex findings on MRI are frequently benign.
- Long-term follow-up may not be necessary for most incidentally detected petrous apex lesions.