American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 136, Issue 2, 287-292
Copyright © 1981 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Brainstem evaluation with CT cisternography
Steele JR
and
JC Hoffman
Seventy-eight positive contrast computed tomography (CT) cisternograms were reviewed to assess the normal anatomy of the brainstem and its surrounding cisterns. Normal brainstem and cisternal anatomy was found to be constant and symmetrical. The review included six patients with brainstem gliomas and five patients with extraaxial masses. In these patients CT cisternography accurately identified mass formation and permitted the confident distinction of extraaxial from intra-axial masses. CT cisternography is a safe and accurate method for evaluating the anterior compartment of the posterior fossa. This procedure is particularly applicable to those cases where conventional CT yields insufficient diagnostic information.