Three-dimensional helical CT angiography of skull base meningiomas

PURPOSE: To describe the findings of skull base meningiomas on three-dimensional CT angiograms obtained with helical scanning and to evaluate the usefulness of this method. METHODS: Fifteen patients who had a meningioma near the skull base were examined with helical CT after receiving an intravenous bolus injection of contrast material. RESULTS: All meningiomas had either a honeycomb (12 patients) or solid (3 patients) pattern of enhancement. Bony structures of the skull base and adjacent major arteries that were displaced or surrounded by tumor were also evident. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional CT angiography depicts the relationship between skull base meningiomas and neighboring bony and vascular structures clearly, quickly, and with minimal risk to the patient.