[The base of the skull in computerized tomography ]

Destructions of structures of the base of the skull may be demonstrated by means of CT. It produces a third plane of visualization in addition to the two planes obtained with conventional X-ray examination. CT is superior to the latter in defining non-osseus tumor growth located intra- and extracranially. For the evaluation of destructions of the base of the skull, CT and conventional X-ray are equally informative, CT may be used as alternative or in addition to conventional X-ray. It may reveal fractures of the base of the skull which may not show up on conventional X-ray examination.