Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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This article briefly discusses the imaging approach to lesions of the anterior skull base. A brief review of normal anatomy and imaging techniques is followed by a discussion about common neoplastic and non-neoplastic pathologies involving this region.
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The central skull base (CSB) constitutes a frontier between the extracranial head and neck and the middle cranial fossa. The anatomy of this region is complex, containing most of the bony foramina and canals of the skull base traversed by several neurovascular structures that can act as routes of spread for pathologic processes. ⋯ Crosssectional imaging is indispensable in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up of patients with CSB lesions. This review focuses on a systematic approach to this region based on an anatomic division that takes into account the major tissue constituents of the CSB.
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Jugular foramen, albeit complex, is essentially a bony conduit transmitting nerves and vessels from the posterior cranial fossa to the nasopharyngeal carotid space. In addition to its intrinsic pathologic conditions, a variety of lesions can arise from the contiguous surrounding structures and invade the foramen. A thorough understanding of the anatomy of this region is fundamental for diagnostic evaluation and assessment of its disease extent. Vascular variants and imaging artifacts are potential pitfalls, which should be recognized and avoided.
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This article reviews the embryology, anatomy, congenital anomaly, acquired disorders, degenerative diseases, neoplasms, and inflammatory and infectious disorders in the craniovertebral junction. The imaging characteristics and differential diagnoses of these lesions are provided. This review also focuses on the complimentary roles of different imaging modalities.
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The petrous apex is the most medial portion of the temporal bone that cannot be directly examined on clinical examination. The referring physician completely relies on imaging and radiologic interpretation. ⋯ The location of the petrous apex also typically precludes safe percutaneous biopsy. Knowledge of the petrous apex anatomy, normal anatomic variations, and their differentiating features from pathologic entities is critical for accurate interpretation.