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X-rays of the ear and temporal bone
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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General X-ray images of the skull do not give a complete picture of the condition of the temporal bone. In this regard, specialists in the field of radiology mainly use targeted images and X-ray computer or magnetic resonance tomograms. They produce images of the external and internal auditory canal, the tympanic cavity with the auditory ossicles, the semicircular canals, various parts of the pyramid, the cellular system of the temporal bone, the mammillary cave. From the images, it is easy to get an idea of the condition of the cells of the temporal bone and mammillary cave. Normally, the cells located in various parts of the temporal bone are lined with a mucous membrane originating from the tympanic cavity and filled with air. The number, size and localization of pneumatic cells are very variable.
In acute otitis, a decrease in the transparency of the tympanic cavity is determined, and then the cave and other cells. You can notice the marginal stripes of thickened mucous membrane in these cells, and subsequently - their darkening. X-ray signs of acute mastoiditis are a decrease or absence of airiness of the cells of the mastoid process and a violation of the integrity of the bone partitions separating them, i.e. the formation of destructive foci. In chronic otitis, the cells darken, thinning occurs, and sometimes destruction of the partitions between them. With a long course of the process, sclerosis of bone tissue with darkened cells predominates.
As a result of chronic purulent otitis, the epidermis from the external auditory canal grows through a defect in the eardrum into the middle ear and can lead to an increase in the antral cell, and subsequently to the formation of a cavity with sclerotic walls. This complication is called a false cholesteatoma, in contrast to a true cholesteatoma - a dermoid formation sometimes detected 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.