Checklist of the temporal bone and lateral skull base CT-scan.

Computed tomography scan of the temporal bone is a fundamental imaging modality for both the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of pathologies affecting this complex structure. Temporal bone computed tomography scan provides a more detailed depiction of bone structures, compared with magnetic resonance imaging and, for this reason computed tomography scan is the imaging modality of choice in the planning of otological surgery. The aim of this article is to present a checklist to allow the otolaryngologist to assess systematically and in an organized manner the main anatomical landmarks, anatomical variants, as well as the most common postoperative surgical changes, which can be identified before any safe otological surgery.

Fournier's gangrene in a 44-year-old woman: CT scan findings.

Objectives: To show standard CT findings and their diagnostic usefulness in female patients suffering from Fournier's gangrene.

Method/result: A woman who had undergone a previous lateral internal sphincterotomy presented to the emergency department with severe pain in the hypogastrium and perianal region; physical examination revealed an induration in the left buttock. CT images showed an abscessed collection in the rectovaginal space and gas in the levator ani muscle, left ischiorectal fossa and the root of the left thigh.