Magnetic resonance imaging-based virtual endoscopy of inner ear pathology.
OBJECTIVE
To study the feasibility of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based virtual endoscopy of the labyrinth to assess subtle inner ear pathology.


METHODS
A retrospective case review of patient with known inner ear pathology to determine the feasibility and clinical value of MRI-based virtual labyrinthoscopy.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Ten patients with symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss or vertigo who underwent high-resolution MRI between 1996 and 1999.


METHODS
Diagnostic image modality with three-dimensional (3-D) postprocessing to assess inner ear pathology.


METHODS
To evaluate how 3-D rendering with virtual labyrinthoscopy can depict subtle labyrinthine pathology.


RESULTS
Cases with typical 3-D models and virtual labyrinthoscopic views are presented to illustrate this new image processing approach.


CONCLUSIONS
The virtual endoscopic view of the labyrinth revealed subtle inner ear pathology. This 3-D postprocessing technique is able to render inner surface changes of tiny structures within the inner ear. It can be performed within a very short time using dedicated hybrid rendering techniques. It allows visualization of pathology in a comprehensive way for clinicians and is able to add 3-D information for troubleshooting in doubtful two-dimensional findings. We suggest the term virtual labyrinthoscopy for virtual intraluminal visualization of the labyrinth.
Schreyer
Andreas G
AG
Department of Radiology and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany. andreas.schreyer@klinik.uni-regensburg.de
Seitz
Johannes
J
Strutz
Jürgen
J
Held
Paul
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000473:pathology*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014584:User-Computer Interface