Exploration of the facial nerve canal by high-resolution computed tomography: anatomy and pathology

A correlative study of the anatomy and the radiological appearance of the intratemporal course of the facial nerve canal was carried out. Isolated temporal bones and temporal bones of cadaver heads were examined with thin-section high-resolution computed tomography in the axial, coronal and Stenvers' projections, then sectioned with a microtome and the radiologic and anatomic images were correlated. Appropriate projections for visualization of each segment of the facial nerve canal on CT were established. The high-resolution CT Stenvers' projection proved very useful for visualization of the geniculate ganglion fossa, as also of the tympanic and mastoid segments in their full length. The high-resolution CT appearance of lesions characteristic for each segment of the facial nerve canal are presented.