Virtual endoscopy of the normal middle ear and SSD of ossicular chain on 64-detector computed tomography

Objective:To assess the values of virtual endoscopy(VE) of normal middle ear and shaded surface display (SSD) of ossicular chain on 64-detector CT. Methods: Spiral CT scan of the temporal bone was performed with 0.5mm slice thickness at pitch 1.0, 0.2 -0.3 mm reconstruction interval in 33 patients (35 normal ears). CTVE, SSD of middle ear were performed. Results:On CTVE imaging, the visualization rate of most structures of ossicular chain and tympanic wall were 100% , and were 68.6%(24/35)and 74.3%(26/35)for the anterior and posterior crus of stapes. CTVE clearly displayed the structures of retrotympanum. SSD showed structures of ossicles in 100%(35/35), especially the anterior and posterior crus and base of stapes. Conclusions:CTVE and SSD could clearly exhibit three-dimensional images of the normal middle ear, and build a normal anatomic mode. It is simple and easy method for image diagnostics.