Computed tomographic scanning of the cerebellopontine angle and the internal auditory canal

CT scanning of the posterior fossa has been available for eight years, with continued and marked improvements in the scanning accuracy and resolution, particularly in the past three years. Newer computer programs combined with thin axial and coronal slices allow discovery of lesions that are millimeters in size. CT scanning has become the method of choice for screening patients with symptoms referrable to the posterior fossa and is also the most accurate radiographic method of detection. By demonstrating lesions less than one cm in size, CT has greatly enhanced the diagnosis and improved the management of patients who suffer from posterior fossa lesions.