MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OF NORMAL INNER EAR AND ANATOMIC MEASUREMENT

Objective To compare the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the inner ear and the data of anatomical measurement from temporal bone for the purpose of investigation of the manifestation of inner ear on MRI and to provide a valuable anatomical basis for the diagnosis of the diseases located in that area and microsugery. Methods MRI scans of inner ears were studied in 33 normal volunteers with no any specific abnormalities or symptoms and 26 bony labyrinths samples were made from temporal bones and mea- sured. Results Anatomical structures of the inner ear were well demonstrated in all the 33 cases. With T_2 weighted Fast-ASE sequence,all three semicircular canals, utricle,saccule, cochlea and IAC produced high signal intensity. Of the three semicircular canals,the internal and external perimeters and the acreages on the selected plane of the posterior semicircular canal (p.s.c)were the largest and those of the lateral emicircular canal(l.s.c) were the smallest. The same results were obtained from the bony labyrinth. Conclusion MRI with Fast-ASE sequence might show,stereoscopically and directly,the minute structures of inner ear .The measurement results, though, have a definite difference compared with the results from cadaveric head ,the pattern is coincident, it provides an anatomical reference for clinical understanding of inner ear.