Newsletter - March 2014     Dear MDCT.net users, The highly complex structure of the facial nerve is fundamental for its numerous physiological functions but also exposes it to a wide range of injuries and pathological processes, including benign and malignant neoplasms, inflammation and infection. Facial nerve injury may manifest as paralysis or difficulties with speech, olfactory and visual functions, facial expression and the ability to show emotions. Instrumental diagnosis of facial nerve diseases and their causes is hindered by the poor accessibility of this cranial nerve, which limits the accuracy of the tests. Recently, MDCT is emerging as the most effective diagnostic tool for the examination of the facial nerve at the level of the temporal bone. The helpfulness of CT of the facial nerve is shown by Valerie Matarese in her review of three recent studies, discussing advantages and limitations of this technique, while a selection of recently published research papers and e-books highlights the progressively increasing use and benefit of MDCT in the study of this complex and essential cranial nerve. We remind you that any suggestion for new topics to be covered in future issues is appreciated: for this purpose please contact us at editorial@mdct.net From the MDCT.net team     Insight into intratemporal facial nerve pathology with MDCT V. Matarese view »       • Rajati M, Pezeshki Rad M, Irani S et al.  Accuracy of high-resolution computed tomography in locating facial nerve injury sites in temporal bone trauma. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2013 Oct 1. [Epub ahead of print] • Murai A, Kariya S, Tamura K et al.  The facial nerve canal in patients with Bell’s palsy: an investigation by high-resolution computed tomography with multiplanar reconstruction. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2013 Jul;270(7):2035-8 • Sepahdari AR, Mong S.  Skull base CT: normative values for size and symmetry of the facial nerve canal, foramen ovale, pterygoid canal, and foramen rotundum. Surg Radiol Anat. 2013 Jan;35(1):19-24 • Morales DR, Donnan PT, Daly F et al.  Impact of clinical trial findings on Bell’s palsy management in general practice in the UK 2001-2012: interrupted time series regression analysis. BMJ Open. 2013 Jul 16;3(7). pii: e003121       Encyclopedia of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Kountakis SE, ed. Springer 2013 • Table of Contents • Facial nerve imaging, CT and MRI view »   2 NEW CLINICAL CASES IN BRAIN, AND HEAD AND NECK Swelling of the right neck Man, 64 years old view » Headache Woman, 18 years old view »     If you wish to be removed from this email list, please click here If you would like to view our Privacy Policy, click here