Computed tomography of rhabdomyosarcomas of the skull base in children.

The computed tomographic (CT) findings of rhabdomyosarcomas involving the skull base in seven children are described. The tumor may arise in the nasopharynx, maxillary sinus, petrous bone, or orbit. Computed tomography clearly shows the full extent of bone destruction and replacement by soft tissue. The CT picture, however, is not specific and differential diagnosis with other aggressive lesions involving the base of the skull such as histiocytosis X, neuroblastoma, and lymphoma can be made only with a combined clinical and radiological approach.