Conclusions: A lateral hump anomaly of the pyramid segment of the facial nerve deserves special attention during otologic surgery. Coronary high-resolution CT (HRCT) reconstruction of temporal bone was highly valuable in preoperative detection of the anomaly.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate lateral hump anomaly of the pyramid segment of the facial nerve in adult patients and assess the value of coronary HRCT reconstruction of the temporal bone in preoperative detection of the anomaly.
Methods: We carried out a prospective study in 439 Han Chinese adults who underwent unilateral facial nerve decompression due to Bell's palsy in our department between April 2005 and October 2012, focusing on lateral hump anomaly of the pyramid segment of the facial nerve, detection sensitivity, and accuracy of coronary HRCT reconstruction of the temporal bone.
Results: Lateral hump anomaly of the pyramid segment was observed in 21 cases (4.83%) undergoing surgery. The detection sensitivity and accuracy of coronary HRCT reconstruction were both 100%.