[Inflammatory diseases of the petrous bone]

In most cases, inflammatory diseases of the petrous bone can be diagnosed clinically. However, for certain diseases, the extent of the findings must be assessed using cross-sectional imaging, or important complications such as cerebral complications must be excluded. The petrous bone is part of the temporal bone, consisting of the pars squamosa, pars tympanica, and pars mastoidea [1]. It encompasses the inner ear, the internal auditory canal, and the petrous bone itself. Anatomically, the middle ear and mastoid already belong to the pars tympanica and pars mastoidea [1]. Imaging should ideally be carried out in conjunction with a detailed medical history, especially information about previous surgeries, chronic infections, possible anti-inflammatory medications, and the current otoscopic findings. The description should always be systematic, e.g., from outside to inside. Within the anatomical structures, different inflammatory processes can occur. Infections are one of the main causes of inflammation in the temporal bone. Important differential diagnoses must be considered. This article discusses the most important inflammatory lesions of the temporal bone and middle ear and the differential diagnoses.