[Diagnosis of skull base dieases using three dimensional computed tomography]

OBJECTIVE:To explore the value of three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) to diseases of the skull base.METHODS:Twenty-five cases with various skull base diseases were examined with 3D CT.All cases received surface shaded display (SSD) method for reconstruction and analysis of 3D reconstruction images in showing the change of skull base bones.RESULTS:In 4 cases with skull base fractures,3D CT demonstrated the fracture lines which were not showed by skull plain films,and provided more informations than those in axial scans.In 15 cases with skull base diseases and 6 cases with trigeminal neuralgia,3D CT helped plan the preoperative approach or the postoperative follow up evaluation,treatment. CONCLUSION:3D CT which based on two dimensional CT scan was very useful for skull baseimaging.