Where Is the Right Petrous Apex?

The petrous apex is located in the temporal bone — one of the bones of the skull that houses the structures of the ear. The petrous apex is a difficult area for surgeons to get to; it is essentially just off the midline of the skull base.

What is petrous apex cholesterol granuloma?

Cholesterol granulomas are rare, benign (noncancerous) cysts that can occur at the tip of the petrous apex, a part of the skull that is next to the middle ear. The cysts are expanding masses that contain fluids, lipids, and cholesterol crystals, surrounded by a fibrous lining.

What is petrous apex Pneumatization?

Pneumatization of the petrous apex results from extension of air cells along infralabyrinthine, anterior, superior, posteromedial, or subarcuate tracts that communicate directly with the mastoid or middle ear cavity and provide direct pathways for disease spread from the mastoid bone or middle ear to the petrous apex.