Pathology of the facial nerve.

ABSTRACT

A good examination in facial nerve imaging (CT or MR imaging) depends on a good knowledge of anatomy. Two clinical situations must be considered imaging of patients with or without facial palsy. CT and MR imaging are very useful when the symptoms are atypical or progressive MR imaging gives very good information about the facial nerve inflammation but may also discover a schwannoma, a hemangioma, a meningioma, or a primitive or secondary cholesteatoma. In malignant tumors of the parotid gland, a study of the fallopian canal must always be performed to delineate an extension in the mastoid, tympanic, or intrameatic parts. In some rare cases, a metastasis in the temporal bone may occur, especially in the region of the geniculate ganglion. Particular attention must be paid to children with facial palsy, considering the possibility of a histiocytosis or metastasis of a neuroblastoma.