Temporal bone meningiomas: emphasizing radiologic signs to improve preoperative diagnosis

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 Jan;278(1):271-273. doi: 10.1007/s00405-020-06110-8. Epub 2020 Jun 12.

Abstract

Purpose: Temporal bone meningioma is an extremely rare disease. Lack of clinical attention due to its rarity might lead to delayed diagnosis. This short communication aims to emphasize radiologic signs of temporal bone meningiomas to improve preoperative diagnosis.

Methods: Radiological characteristics of temporal bone meningiomas are discussed.

Results: Temporal bone meningioma is characterized by diffuse "hairy" trabecular hyperostosis without the destruction of trabecular structures, bone thickening, and irregular surface margins of the temporal bone on computed tomography. The dural tail sign is a unique feature of temporal bone meningioma on magnetic resonance imaging.

Conclusion: Otolaryngologists certainly should be aware of characteristic radiologic signs of temporal bone meningiomas. Using modern computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging protocols enables with a high degree of accuracy to distinguish temporal bone meningiomas from other more common entities in this location.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Diagnosis; Dural tail sign; Magnetic resonance imaging; Temporal bone meningioma; Trabecular hyperostosis.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Meningeal Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Meningeal Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Meningioma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Meningioma* / surgery
  • Temporal Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed