X-ray of the ear and the temporal bone
Last reviewed: 19.11.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The survey radiographs of the skull do not give a complete picture of the state of the temporal bone. In this regard, specialists in the field of radiation diagnosis use mainly sighting images and X-ray computer or magnetic resonance tomograms. They are images of the external and internal auditory canal, the tympanum with auditory ossicles, semicircular canals, various parts of the pyramid, the cellular system of the temporal bone, the mastoid cave. According to the pictures it is not difficult to get an idea of the state of the cells of the temporal bone and mastoid cave. Normally, the cells located in various parts of the temporal bone are lined with a mucosa derived from the tympanum and filled with air. The number, size and location of pneumatic cells are very variable.
With acute otitis, the decrease in the transparency of the tympanic cavity is determined, followed by caves and other cells. You can see the edge strips of the thickened mucous membrane in these cells, and subsequently - their darkening. X-ray signs of acute mastoiditis are the decrease or absence of airiness of the cells of the mastoid process and violation of the integrity of the bone septa separating them. The formation of destructive foci. With chronic otitis, the cells are darkened, thinning occurs, and sometimes the septa between them are destroyed. With a long course of the process, sclerotherapy of the bone tissue with darkened cells prevails.
As a result of chronic purulent otitis, the epidermis from the external auditory canal sprouts through the defect in the eardrum to the middle ear and can lead to an increase in the antral cell, and further to the formation of a cavity with sclerotized walls. Such a complication is called a false cholesteatoma in contrast to the true cholesteatoma - dermoid formation, sometimes found in the bones of the cranial vault. On computer tomograms, a false cholesteatoma causes a soft tissue formation. As it increases, destruction of adjacent bone elements occurs.