[MRI of the temporal bone].

Lesions arising within the temporal bone, where audition and balance receptors are located, are multiple. Beginning with a short clinical and technical overview, this presentation aims to review the most common temporal bone lesions, according to their location. Tumors and malignant otitis externa are the most common lesions of the external auditory canal. MRI features of cholesteatoma redux, transtegmental masses, and paragangliomas are described in the middle ear MRI study. The diagnosis of petrous apex abnormalities is emphasized: cholesterol granuloma, malignant tumor, epidermoid cyst, cholesteatoma, and petrositis. The diagnostic value of CT scan associated with MRI is stressed. This study also includes the main aspects of facial nerve lesions and vascular abnormalities of the area on MRI. The conclusion summarizes the main indications of temporal bone MRI.