Abstract
Objective Arrested pneumatization of the skull base is a developmental anatomical variant of
the paranasal sinuses. Although it is an incidental finding, severe bone lesions can
be confusing in the differential diagnosis. In this study, arrested pneumatization
in the pediatric group is discussed with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) findings.
Methods Cranial scanning findings of 550 patients who underwent imaging in the Radiology
Department of our hospital with various diagnoses between 2012 and 2013 were examined.
CT and MRI findings of arrested pneumatization in six patients were evaluated and
recorded.
Results The patients ranged in age from 7 to 14 years. The indications for scanning included
neurofibromatosis type 1 (n = 1), papilledema (n = 2), epilepsy (n = 1), sixth nerve palsy (n = 1), and headache (n = 1). Arrested pneumatization was detected incidentally in all patients. Four patients
had arrested pneumatization of the sphenoid bone, and two had arrested pneumatization
of the temporal bone (petrous apex).
Conclusion Arrested pneumatization of the skull base is an incidental finding most commonly
detected in association with the sphenoid bone. It is a benign imaging finding that
can be observed in the pediatric group and may cause diagnostic confusion. Therefore,
CT and MRI findings are of great importance for the final diagnosis.
Keywords
arrested pneumatization - developmental anomaly - paranasal sinuses - skull base
