• R Klingebiel, H C Bauknecht, O Kaschke, M Werbs, B Freigang, H Behrbohm, P Rogalla, and R Lehmann.
• Neuroradiology Section, Radiology Institute, Charité Campus Mitte, Schumannstrasse 20/21, D-10098 Berlin, Germany.
• Otol. Neurotol. 2001 Nov 1;22(6):803-7.

ObjectiveThis study was designed to assess the value of high-resolution multislice computed tomography (MSCT) data of the petrous bone for the virtual endoscopic visualization of the tympanic cavity.BackgroundThe recently introduced MSCT technology has improved spatial resolution in the z axis as well as scan speed in computed tomography. Three-dimensional rendering of high-resolution MSCT data of the petrous bone may be expected to provide endoluminal views of superior image quality, thus competing with transtympanic endoscopy (otoendoscopy).SettingThis study was conducted at a university teaching hospital.Materials And MethodsCadaveric phantom studies in a MSCT scanner were performed to define a data acquisition protocol, combining adequate detail resolution with low tube current. Subsequently, the cadaveric phantom underwent otoendoscopy. The postprocessing parameters of the three-dimensional rendering protocol were chosen to produce views closely resembling the corresponding otoendoscopic images. High-resolution data from 18 patients with pathologic conditions of the middle ear, as suggested by clinical findings and assessment of cross-sectional data, were postprocessed using the volume rendering technique to generate standardized virtual endoscopic views. A total of 36 virtual endoscopic scans of the tympanic cavity were generated.ResultsWith regard to intermediate and high-density structures, virtual endoscopic images, based on MSCT data, yielded endoluminal views closely resembling corresponding otoendoscopic views. Virtual endoscopy seems useful for imaging ossicular pathologic conditions such as dysplasia and chain disruption as well as for assessing patient status before and after otosurgery.ConclusionMSCT data sets allow for generating virtual endoscopic views closely resembling otoendoscopic images. The technique is especially useful when ossicular pathologic changes are present as well as for preoperative and postoperative imaging of otologic procedures.

11 keywords...

hide…