Computed tomography of temporal bone pneumatization: 2. Petrosquamosal suture and septum.

Abstract

The degree of visualization of the petrosquamosal (Körner's) septum on high-resolution axial computed tomography (CT) in 141 temporal bones (100 subjects) was analyzed. The superior and inferior parts of the septum were assessed separately and were seen in 75% and 41% of cases, respectively. There was no relation between the size of Körner's septum and pneumatization. The clinical relevance of this finding is discussed. The CT features of the ventral petrosquamosal suture also were investigated. The crista tegmentalis, a contribution of the petrosal tegmen to the mandibular fossa, was seen on CT as a polypoid excrescence projecting from the ventrolateral petrous pyramid. This knowledge is useful in the radiographic analysis of the course of longitudinal fractures of the petrous bone.