Skull Base Imaging

This book is a comprehensive guide to skull base imaging. Skull base is often a “no man’s land” that requires treatment using a team approach between neurosurgeons, head and neck surgeons, vascular interventionalists, radiotherapists, chemotherapists, and other professionals. Imaging of the skull base can be challenging because of its intricate anatomy and the broad breadth of presenting pathology. Although considerably complex, the anatomy is comparatively constant, while presenting pathologic entities may be encountered at myriad stages. Many of the pathologic processes that involve the skull base are rare, causing the average clinician to require help with their diagnosis and treatment. But, before any treatment can begin, these patients must come to imaging and receive the best test to establish the correct diagnosis and make important decisions regarding management and treatment. This book provides a guide to neuoradiologists performing that imaging and as a reference for relatedphysicians and surgeons. The book is divided into nine sections: Pituitary Region, Cerebellopontine Angle, Anterior Cranial Fossa, Middle Cranial Fossa, Craniovertebral Junction, Posterior Cranial Fossa, Inflammatory, Sarcomas, and Anatomy. Within each section, either common findings in those skull areas or different types of sarcomas or inflammatory conditions and their imaging are detailed. The anatomy section gives examples of normal anatomy from which to compare findings against. All current imaging techniques are covered, including: CT, MRI, US, angiography, CT cisternography, nuclear medicine and plain film radiography. Each chapter additionally includes key points, classic clues, incidence, differential diagnosis, recommended treatment, and prognosis. Skull Base Imaging provides a clear and concise reference for all physicians who encounter patients with these complex and relatively rare maladies.