Head and Neck Imaging

Osteopetrosis

(also called Albers Schonberg disease or marble bone disease), bone disease characterized by formation of dense new bone, with obliteration of the medullary cavities and diploic spaces. The formation of thick and dense bone leads to narrowing of the skull base foramina. The temporal bones show a lack of mastoid pneumatization, narrow middle ear cavities and overall appear very dense (Fig.1). Patients may develop sensorineural hearing loss caused by bony encroachment on the vestibulocochlear nerve in the internal auditory canal.

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Fig.1

Axial CT image at level of temporal bones. Note also narrowing of both middle ear cavities.
Osteopetrosis, Fig.1