Neuroradiology of the skull base

Newer imaging modalities, especially high resolution computed tomographic scanning, have radically altered and expanded the role of radiology in the evaluation and management of lesions affecting the skull base. The location, extent, and tissue characteristics of these lesions can be determined with greater precision than ever before. When necessary, diagnostic and therapeutic angiography can be performed more rapidly and more safely with digital subtraction techniques. In the near future magnetic resonance imaging may prove to be an even more precise imaging tool than computed tomography. Magnetic resonance studies may also determine physiologic and biochemical properties of lesions that are not possible to evaluate with any other techniques.