Fact-sheet: Cholesterol granuloma


Updated on 04/23/2019 at 9:57 AM

Note : 0/10

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Definition

Obstruction of the air cells in a pneumatized petrous apex, leading to mucosal edema with microhemorrhages.

Degradation of hemoglobin into cholesterol crystals.

Clinical features

Asymptomatic

Laboratory findings

Unremarkable

CT

Nonspecific opacification of the petrous apex with bony expansion +/- bone erosion.

MRI

Opacification of the petrous apex with characteristic signal:

- spontaneous T1 hyperintensity

- T1 FatSat hyperintensity

- variable T2 signal

- No enhancement.

Differential diagnosis

All petrous lesions.