Navigating the Skull Base - Imaging Pearls and Pitfalls

Abstract

Objective: Imaging of the skull base can be challenging due to complex anatomy, juxtaposition of critical structures, and the spectrum of primary and distant lesions that can affect this confined space. Keen understanding of skull base anatomy and important anatomic relationships, in addition to skull base disease pathology, are essential to providing surgeons salient preoperative details. The objective of this review is to describe important pearls and pitfalls unique to skull base imaging in the preoperative arena.