HIGH-RESOLUTION COMPUTED-TOMOGRAPHY IN A BONE ALGORITHM AND 2D-RECONSTRUCTION OR IMAGING OF THE FALLOPIAN CANAL

Radiographic imaging of the intratemporal portion of the fallopian can al is important in cases of traumatic facial nerve palsy to visualize the site of involvement. Even if high-resolution computed tomography i s used, several images in various planes are necessary to obtain satis factory diagnostic information. By using a classic axial scan and a wi de window (bone algorithm), a 2D reconstruction can be performed ''off -line'' to visualize the mastoid portion of the fallopian canal. A rec onstruction plane 45 degrees to the median-sagittal plane and through the lateral genu of the facial nerve provides the best imaging of the mastoid portion down to the stylomastoid foramen. In cases of temporal bone fractures with facial paralysis, an excellent demonstration of f racture line without further radiation exposure can be obtained in cas es considered for surgical decompression.