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CT Temporal Bones

Last Updated: 2026-01-01 Author:

  • 1. Clinical Summary

    Series Phase Coverage
    Axial Temporal Non-contrast EAC to Petrous apex
    Coronal Temporal Non-contrast EAC to IAC
    • Hearing loss
    • Chronic otitis
    • Cholesteatoma
    • Temporal bone fracture
    • Pre-operative cochlear implant

  • 2. Patient Prep

    • Position: Supine head-first
    • NPO Status: N/A

  • 3. IV Contrast & Injection

    No Intravenous Contrast

    This protocol does not require IV contrast administration.

  • 4. Special Notes

    • Temporal bones: external auditory canal to petrous apex. SUBMILLIMETER <0.625mm. Direct axial and direct coronal if possible. Ultra high resolution
    • Additional Recons: Pöschl and Stenvers oblique reformats for IAC. Measure vestibular aqueduct
    • No IV. Remove hearing aids and earrings

    Safety First

    • Renal Function: N/A
    • Allergy: N/A
    • Ossicles. Cochlea. Semicircular canals. Internal auditory canal. Mastoid air cells. Cholesteatoma. Fracture. Tegmen
    • Submillimeter critical. Sharp bone kernel. Remove all metal
Series Name Start Location End Location Delay Slice Thickness Notes
Scout EAC level Petrous apex N/A N/A Lateral
Axial Temporal EAC Petrous apex N/A 0.5-0.625 mm Parallel to lateral SCC
Coronal Temporal EAC IAC N/A 0.5-0.625 mm Perpendicular to petrous ridge
Plane Acquisition FOV Thickness/Increment Kernel IR Strength Notes
Axial Temporal Bilateral 0.5 mm/0.5 mm Bone sharp N/A Ultra HR bone
Coronal Temporal Bilateral 0.5 mm/0.5 mm Bone sharp N/A Coronal bone
Oblique sagittal Temporal Ossicles 0.5 mm Bone N/A Ossicular chain
Pöschl/Stenvers Temporal IAC 0.75 mm Bone N/A IAC oriented views