How to reliably evaluate middle ear diseases?
CONCLUSIONS: Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) virtual endoscopy was useful in evaluating mainly post-traumatic and postoperative cases. In other pathological conditions axial images and MPR reformations were most useful. OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of cross-sectional images, multiplanar 2-D reformations, 3-D reconstructions and virtual endoscopy (VE) in assessment of the middle ear in inflammatory diseases, trauma, otosclerosis and tumours. Comparison of each method and correlation with surgical findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Investigations were carried out in 80 patients with middle ear pathology. In each case MSCT of the petrous bone was performed. In addition to cross-sectional native scans, frontal and sagittal images were achieved using MPR reconstructions. 3-D volume rendering (VR) and VE images were also generated. The value of native scans information, 2-D, 3-D reconstructions and VE of the tympanic cavity structures was assessed in comparison to intraoperative findings. RESU
