Temporal Bone Radiology

The complex anatomical structure and limitations of otoscopic examination make radiologic imaging essential in the evaluation of the temporal bone. The temporal bone is a complex and vital structure within the skull, housing intricate anatomical components related to hearing, balance, and critical neurovascular pathways. Infectious and inflammatory conditions, tumors, and other pathologies of the temporal bone present unique diagnostic challenges due to their varied presentations and potential complications. Radiologic imaging, primarily computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), plays a pivotal role in identifying, characterizing, and guiding the management of these conditions. This chapter examines the role of various imaging modalities and techniques in the evaluation of the temporal bone and aims to explain which radiologic modalities should be used in temporal bone pathology.