Arrested pneumatization of the skull base: imaging characteristics

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2008 Jun;190(6):1691-6. doi: 10.2214/AJR.07.3131.

Abstract

Objective: Arrested skull base pneumatization is a benign developmental variant that can be confused with significant skull base disease processes. This study reviews the imaging findings in 30 suspected cases of arrested skull base pneumatization.

Conclusion: When encountering a nonexpansile lesion with osteosclerotic borders, internal fat, and curvilinear calcifications in the basisphenoid bone or adjacent skull base, radiologists should strongly consider the diagnosis of arrested pneumatization.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Skull Base* / abnormalities
  • Skull Base* / diagnostic imaging
  • Skull Base* / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*