Introduction Computed tomography (CT) is a key component in the evaluation of skull base diseases. With its ability to clearly delineate the osseous anatomy, CT can provide not only important tips to diagnosis but also key information for surgical planning. Objectives The purpose of this article is to describe some of the main CT imaging features that contribute to the diagnosis of skull base tumors, review recent knowledge related to bony manifestations of these conditions, and summarize recent technological advances in CT that contribute to image quality and improved diagnosis. Data Synthesis Recent advances in CT technology allow fine-detailed evaluation of the bony anatomy using submillimetric sections. Dual-energy CT material decomposition capabilities allow clear separation between contrast material, bone, and soft tissues with many clinical applications in the skull base. Dual-energy technology has also the ability to decrease image degradation from metallic hardwares using some techniques that can result in similar or even decreased radiation to patients. Conclusions CT is very useful in the evaluation of skull base diseases, and recent technological advances can increase disease conspicuity resulting in improved diagnostic capabilities and enhanced surgical planning.

As lesões do sistema nervoso central, resultantes da vulnerabilidade do encéfalo às condições adversas durante a gestação e após o nascimento, representam uma importante causa de morbimortalidade no período neonatal. Este estudo visa analisar a prevalência e os padrões das lesões neuropatológicas em neomortos do Hospital de Clínicas de Curitiba. Utilizou-se como fonte de dados o Banco de Necropsia da Unidade de Patologia Perinatal e Pediátrica do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná - Curitiba, que registra 5743 necropsias realizadas entre os anos de 1960 e 1995. Foram selecionados 2049 casos correspondentes aos laudos de necropsia dos neomortos, os quais foram classificados segundo a faixa etária e o padrão de lesão neuropatológica. Caracterizou-se lesão neuropatológica em 1616 casos (78,87%), observando-se maior prevalência das hemorragias intracranianas (73,39%), malformações congênitas (4,27%) e infecções (3,59%). As hemorragias hipóxicas representaram a lesão neuropatológica mais freqüente entre os neomortos, especialmente entre os prematuros. Houve diferença na prevalência quanto ao gênero apenas nas malformações, que foram mais comuns no sexo feminino.

The lesions of the central nervous system represent an important cause of morbid-mortality in the neonatal period. This is due to the vulnerability of the brain to several adverse conditions during gestation and after birth. This study analyses the prevalence and pattern of central nervous system lesions in neonates autopsied at Hospital de Clínicas - Curitiba. There were 5743 pediatric autopsies performed in the Sector of Anatomic Pathology from 1960 to 1995 with 2049 cases corresponding to death during neonatal period. These later autopsies were reviewed and all cases with central nervous system lesions were selected and classified according to sex, age and pattern of central nervous system lesion. The central nervous system was affected in 1616 (78,87%) of neonatal autopsies and there was predominance of intracerebral hemorrhages (73,39%), congenital malformations (4,27%) and infections (3,59%). The hypoxic hemorrhages are the most prevalent central nervous system lesions in the neonatal period, affecting mainly premature babies. There was predominance of central nervous system malformations in the female neonates.