Radiologic evaluation of skull base masses

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) play complementary roles in the pre- and postoperative evaluation of the various neoplasms that occur at the skull base. Typically, both imaging modalities are obtained in the diagnostic workup and treatment planning of skull base lesions. Although CT provides excellent osseous detail with respect to the effect of the mass on adjacent bony structures, MRI gives better assessment of the tissue composition of the mass itself and its impact on adjacent soft tissue structures. Both imaging modalities can also play important roles in the postoperative surveillance after tumor resection as well as in identification of unexpected complications. This chapter discusses the most commonly encountered lesions that should be considered in the preoperative assessment of tumors arising from the anterior, central, and posterior skull base. Imaging of postsurgical changes and complications are also reviewed.