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The petromastoid canal on computed tomography.
G A Krombach1, T Schmitz-Rode, A Prescher
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Technology, Pauwelstrasse 30, 52057 Aachen, Germany. krombach@rad.rwth-aachen.de
European Radiology
|October 19, 2002
Summary
High-resolution CT scans clearly visualize the petromastoid canal, crucial for anatomical understanding. Thin slices (1 mm) ensure visibility, preventing misinterpretation of this bony canal as pathology.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Anatomy
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- The petromastoid canal, a bony channel connecting the mastoid antrum to the cranial cavity, houses vital vascular structures.
- Accurate anatomical identification of the petromastoid canal is essential for surgical planning and differential diagnosis in neuroimaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the visibility and anatomical characteristics of the petromastoid canal using high-resolution computed tomography (CT).
- To compare the dimensions of the petromastoid canal with adjacent structures like the cochlear and vestibular aqueducts.
Main Methods:
- Review of high-resolution CT scans from 188 patients, focusing on petromastoid canal delineation.
- Comparison of petromastoid canal diameter with cochlear and vestibular aqueducts, with direct measurements in 20 cases.
- Cadaveric temporal bone imaging and microdissection to correlate CT findings with gross anatomy.
Main Results:
- The petromastoid canal was consistently identified bilaterally on CT scans with 1 mm slice thickness.
- Visibility was compromised in 2 mm slice thickness scans due to partial-volume effects.
- Petromastoid canal dimensions were comparable to, or smaller than, the cochlear and vestibular aqueducts, with average diameters of 0.51 mm, 0.57 mm, and 0.63 mm, respectively.
Conclusions:
- High-resolution, thin-slice CT (1 mm) is highly effective for identifying the petromastoid canal.
- Familiarity with the anatomy of the petromastoid canal is crucial to avoid misinterpreting it as pathological findings like fracture lines.