title: Magnetic resonance imaging virtual endoscopy of the labyrinth.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the feasibility of applying virtual endoscopic (VE) techniques to examine the normal anatomy of the labyrinth using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data.
  
  
  METHODS
  Feasibility study using data from a normal subject.
  
  
  METHODS
  MRI data was acquired in a single normal subject using a three-dimensional (3D) CISS (Constructive Interference in the Steady State) sequence. Perspective volume rendering (PVR) techniques were used to produce virtual endoscopic visualization of the fluid filled structures of the inner ear.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The reconstructive algorithms enabled generation of a "fly-through" simulation of the labyrinth. The cochlea, the oval window, the vestibule, the common crus, and the semicircular canals were successfully visualized.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Virtual endoscopic techniques were successfully applied to MRI data enabling a 3D virtual display of the internal anatomy of the normal labyrinth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital NHS Trust, Queen's Medical Center, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: I I
authors.initials: II
authors.lastname: Diamantopoulos
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Ludman
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Martel
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: O'Donoghue
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D002675:Child, Preschool; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D014584:User-Computer Interface