Skull base: pseudolesion or true lesion?

Abstract

The skull base is a complex anatomical structure. Therefore, radiologists often use "side-to-side" comparison for detection of abnormalities. This approach is compromised by the high frequency of anatomical variations involving the skull base and the common presence of flow-related artifacts within vessels at the skull base that might mimic true lesions. The spectrum of "pseudolesions" ranging from different anatomical variations, such as unusual arachnoid granulations, asymmetric pneumatization and/or appearance of neurovascular foramina, to flow-related artifacts will be discussed in this review article, and tips for their distinction from a true lesion in a similar location will be given.