Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 23, 2026
Automated Midline Shift and Intracranial Pressure Estimation based on Brain CT Images
Published on: April 13, 2013
Craniocervical Pneumatization: Estimation of Prevalence and Imaging of Treatment Response
Courtney M Tomblinson1, Nicholas L Deep, Steven M Weindling
1*Department of Radiology†Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona‡Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida§Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota||Department of Medicine Services, VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System, North Las Vegas, Nevada.
Objective:
Estimate the prevalence of craniocervical pneumatization (CCP) and describe successful treatment of this condition with clinical and radiologic correlation.
Patients:
Individuals with documented CCP on computed tomography (CT).
Intervention(S):
CT scans of the head, temporal bone, face, neck, and cervical spine. Cessation of habitual Valsalva maneuver (VM) and insertion of pressure-equalization (PE) tubes.
Main Outcome Measure:
The prevalence of CCP on CT examinations performed during two decades in a large academic healthcare system. Documentation of symptomatic and imaging improvement following treatment of CCP.
Results:
Radiology database review identified two cases of CCP out of a total of 636,854 head and neck CT scans (0.00031%) or 43,553 temporal bone CT scans (0.0046%). Both CCP patients were symptomatic (aural fullness, hearing loss, vertigo) and practiced habitual VM. One patient showed decreased CCP 4 months following cessation of VM, whereas the other patient improved symptomatically and demonstrated reversion of CCP to normal bone on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 3 years following PE tube placement.
Conclusions:
Acquired CCP is exceedingly rare and, when successfully treated, reversion to normal bone may accompany symptom resolution.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Radiological Investigation II: MRI and Ventilation Perfusion Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ventilation Perfusion Scans are two radiological investigations that offer detailed diagnostic images of the body, particularly lung structures.
MRI
MRI uses magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to distinguish between normal and abnormal tissues. This technology provides a more detailed diagnostic image than CT scans, enabling it to characterize pulmonary nodules, stage bronchogenic carcinoma, and evaluate inflammatory activity in...
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:19Cranial and Spinal Meninges
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...