Objective To evaluate the value of styloid process measurement using 16-detector row spiral CT with volume rendering, shaded surface display, multi-planar reconstruction and maximum intensity projection reconstruction techniques in the diagnosis of adult styloid process syndrome (SPS).

Methods 16-detector row spiral CT with volume rendering, shaded surface display, multi-planar reconstruction and maximum intensity projection reconstruction techniques were used in 50 patients (86 sides) with clinically suspected SPS, the length and deviated angle of styloid process were measured.

Results In these 86 sides of styloid process, 69 sides showed the length longer than 3 cm (80.2%), 45 sides showed segmented styloid process (52.3%), the oblique angle of styloid process was deviated internally more than 25° in 36 sides (41.9%), and deviated anteriorly angle more than 25° in 5 sides (5.8%).

Conclusion Over-length, segmentation andabnormal deviation of the oblique angle of styloid process are important criteria in the diagnosis of SPS, helpful information could be provided by multiple-detector spiral CT with volume rendering, shaded surface display, multi-planar reconstruction and maximum intensity projection reconstruction techniques.