Early contrast enhancement of acoustic neuroma

Imaging review of the temporal bone: part I. Anatomy and inflammatory and neoplastic processes

From a clinical-radiologic standpoint, there are a limited number of structures and disease entities in the temporal bone with which one must be familiar in order to proficiently interpret a computed tomographic or magnetic resonance imaging study of the temporal bone. It is helpful to examine the region in an organized and systematic fashion, going through the same checklist of key structures each time. This is the first of a two-part review that provides a practical approach to understanding temporal bone anatomy, localizing a pathologic process with a focus on inflammatory and neoplastic processes, identifying pertinent positives and negatives, and formulating a differential diagnosis.

Volume growth rate of acoustic neurinomas

Of 79 acoustic neurinomas seen between June 1980 and June 1984, at least two CT scans were available for each of 23 tumors (21 patients); the scans were performed at intervals of at least 6 months. The volume growth rate of the tumours was either moderate, with a volume doubling time ranging from 205 to 545 days, or slow, with a doubling time ranging from 1090 days to no observable growth. No single clinical, radiological or histological feature correlated with any type of growth rate. However, some conclusions were drawn. If a primary CT scan is negative, at least 1 year should elapse before it is worthwhile taking another scan, even though audiological findings suggest growth; after an apparently radical removal, at least 3 years should elapse before a check CT scan is worthwhile; and if a small acoustic neurinoma is diagnosed, but for some reason not operated upon, a second CT scan should be carried out 1 year later in order to reassess the case.

Evaluation of the internal auditory meatus with acoustic neuromas using computed tomography

Forty-seven patients with 48 unoperated acoustic neuromas have been studied by computed tomography (CT) with respect to bone changes. CT and conventional X-ray examination of the skull were compared. The importance of using a small collimator, proper selection of the plane of the CT section and changing of the window level is stressed. CT detects porus changes as accurately as conventional X-ray methods.

Diagnosis of acoustic neuroma with computed tomography

Sixty-one acoustic neuromas were examined with computed tomography (CT). For differential diagnosis the tumors were thoroughly analyzed for manner of growth, shape, volume, calcification, attenuation pattern, constrast enhancement, presence of peripheral edema, and cisternal deformation.