Multidetector row CT demonstration of inner and middle ear structures

The aim of this study is to evaluate the anatomical details of the inner ear and middle ear, using multidetector row CT. Temporal bone CT scans were obtained using 16-detector row CT scanner (Lightspeed 16, General Electric Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI) in 30 patients with dizziness, vertigo, or hearing loss. The three-dimensional (3D) images were reconstructed with volume rendering techniques. The 3D images were reviewed by two radiologists and scored by using a three-point quality rating for qualitative assessment of the 23 representative structures of the middle and inner ear. The malleus, incus, and facial nerve canal were identified in all patients. The incudomalleolar joint appeared fused in all patients. The stapes were seen clearly in 27 (90%) of 30 patients except in three patients. Among the three remaining patients, there was one who had effusions in the middle ear cavity. Another patient had left cholesteatoma. The third patient had normal middle ear cavity. The cochlea and the three semicircular canals (anterior, posterior, and lateral) were well demonstrated in 29 (97%) of 30 patients except for one old woman with osteoporosis. Sixteen-detector row CT imaging of temporal bone with advanced 3D reformation yields state-of-the-art anatomical details of the temporal region useful to address anatomical localization issues and ease conceptual structural learning.