Application of CT virtual endoscopy(CTVE) on the normal middle ear

Objective: To explore the technique of CT virtual endoscopy (CTV E) on Ossicular chain and study its ability to display the normal middle ear.Met hods: Spiral CT scan of the middle ears was performed with 1.0mm slice thickness and 1.0 pitch in 15 normal subjects (30 ears). Bone algorithm and 0.1~0.2 mm re construction interval were adopted, while the ability of CTVE displaying the nor mal middle ear structures was analyzed. Results: It was completely revealed that malleus, anvil, malleus-anvil joint and incudostapedial joint could be demonstr ated clearly. Only in 30% cases, floorplate, anterior crus and posterior crus of stapes could be observed. Conclusions: CTVE technique can diplay stereoscopic i mage of middle ear, especially the floorplate of stapes. It will be important to study the form and the function of middle ear on living body.