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33 Cranial base tumors: MDCT and MR imaging

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 June 2014

Hat Josip,
Šverko Ana,
Bedek Darko,
Pećina Hrvoje,
Podoreški Dijana and
Gregurić Tomislav
Hat Josip
Affiliation:
Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia, E-mail: hatjosip@yahoo.com
Šverko Ana
Affiliation:
Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia, E-mail: hatjosip@yahoo.com
Bedek Darko
Affiliation:
Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia, E-mail: hatjosip@yahoo.com
Pećina Hrvoje
Affiliation:
Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia, E-mail: hatjosip@yahoo.com
Podoreški Dijana
Affiliation:
Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia, E-mail: hatjosip@yahoo.com
Gregurić Tomislav
Affiliation:
Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia, E-mail: hatjosip@yahoo.com
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Abstract

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Cranial base tumours, accounting for less than 1% of intracranial tumours, are a group of tumours that grow along different areas under the brain or within the bottom part of the skull. In general, they are considered one of the most difficult head and neck pathological entities to treat surgically. Proximity to vital structures such as cranial nerves, the eye and inner ear, major vascular structures to the brain, and the brain itself makes operating on this region extremely challenging.

The goal is evaluation of diagnostic abilities for CT and MRI techniques in precise presentation of tumour's spread and its morphological characteristics.

Methods:

We used multidetector CT (16 rows) and 1.5 T MR Scanner. In analysis of skull base we employed 0.6–3 mm CT cuts in axial coronal and sagittal planes in soft tissue and bone window. In MR analysis we used various sequences in axial, coronal and sagittal planes, with o.7–3 mm slice thickness.

Results:

It is often difficult to determine the site of origin of tumours as anatomical boundaries are frequently breached. Accurate imaging evaluation is useful in planning treatment and may help in the differential diagnosis. We review those CT and MRI features of skull base tumours which may be helpful in identifying a preoperative diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Imaging plays a crucial role in the management of tumour patients with skull base involvement. This is a difficult region to evaluate clinically. Radiologist, therefore, plays a great role in determining disease extent and the choice of appropriate treatment methods.