Pneumatization of the petrous apex.

Abstract

Pneumatizationof the petrous apex was investigated in 226 subjects without middle ear disease by means of target imaging CT.The degree of pneumatization of all subjects was 32.7% (148/452 ears), but no difference in degree was revealed with distinction of bilateral ears or between sexes.In 148 ears with pneumatization of the petrous apex, a higher degree of pneumatization was found in larger mastoid cavities, suggesting that pneumatization of the petrous apex correlates with pnuematized air cells in other parts of the temporal bone. Pneumatization of all parts of the petrous apex was found in about 40% (58/148 ears), and of some parts in about 60% (90/148 ears).In the latter cases, pneumatized air cells were more often found in the lower portions of the CT slices than in the higher ones.These results indicate that pneumatization of the petrous apex must be taken into consideration in studies measuring the gas composition and volume of the middle ear.

The pneumatization patterns of the roof of the parapharyngeal space in CBCT

“…9,10 In other studies, the pneumatization of the petrous apex was found positive in 32.7% of 226 subjects, and no difference in degree was revealed as far as both ears or genders were concerned; pneumatized air cells were more often found in the lower portions of the CT slices than in the higher ones. 11 Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is a common complication after skull base surgery for cerebellopontine angle tumors. Petrous air cells are a potential route for CSF rhinorrhea and thus, CT assessment of these air cells is useful for preventing this complication.…”