Magnetic resonance imaging in temporal bone fracture.

In seven patients with temporal bone fractures examined by both CT and MRI, thin section CT proved superior to MRI in demonstrating the full extent of the fractures and the status of the ossicular chain. MR studies were able to demonstrate fractures, when these fractures contained blood or CSF, and the presence of ossicular dislocation in one case where the middle ear was completely filled with CSF or blood. Admixture of air in the middle ear gave a false impression of ossicular dislocation, while air in the fracture obscured portions of it. MR proved superior to CT in the evaluation of intracranial contents by showing 5 additional subdural hematomas, 2 epidural hematomas and 2 hemorrhagic contusions.