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Evaluation of platybasia with MR imaging
Robert A Koenigsberg1, Nakul Vakil, Tom A Hong
1Department of Radiologic Sciences, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192, USA.
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology
|January 22, 2005
Summary
A new modified MR imaging technique for measuring the basal angle offers a more reproducible method for evaluating platybasia (abnormal skull base angle) in adults and children.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Anatomy
Background:
- Platybasia, characterized by an abnormal basal angle, was historically assessed using plain skull radiographs.
- Current neuroimaging practices predominantly utilize CT and MR imaging for skull and brain evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel magnetic resonance (MR) imaging technique for assessing platybasia.
- To compare measurements obtained via standard and modified MR imaging techniques with traditional methods.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of midline sagittal MR images from 200 adults and 50 children.
- Measurement of the basal angle using a standard MR technique and a modified technique involving specific cranial landmarks.
Main Results:
- The modified MR technique yielded significantly lower basal angle values (adults: 117°±6°, children: 114°±5°) compared to the standard MR technique and radiography.
- Standard MR technique measurements (adults: 129°±6°, children: 127°±5°) were also lower than previously reported radiographic values.
Conclusions:
- Both standard and modified MR imaging techniques provide lower basal angle measurements than traditional radiography.
- The modified MR technique, utilizing distinct and reproducible landmarks on sagittal T1 images, is proposed as a new standard for basal angle evaluation.