Pathology of the ossicular chain: comparison between virtual endoscopy and 2D spiral CT-data.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the value of virtual endoscopy (VE) in the diagnosis of lesions of the ossicular chain and to compare virtual endoscopy and two-dimensional (2D) spiral computed tomography (CT) data.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
A university hospital.


METHODS
Fifty-eight patients with suspected ossicular chain lesions underwent a high-resolution CT of the temporal bone with both 2D data and VE before surgery.


METHODS
Two views were chosen for VE. The CT data obtained (2D, VE, and both 2D and VE) were compared with the lesions noted during surgery.


RESULTS
In the diagnosis of dislocation of the ossicles or prostheses, VE seemed to be a better technique than 2D CT. Views chosen for the VE proved to be ineffective for diagnosing epitympanic fixations. VE was not adapted to the study of otosclerosis. We found it necessary to use the data provided by the addition to 2D CT data in the diagnosis of ossicular lysis and minor aplasia. Radiologic analysis of the lesions of the long process of the incus and the incudostapedial joint was improved by performing both 2D CT and VE. VE reconstruction of the stapes proved to be difficult, especially in cases of inflammation of the middle ear.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates the value of VE in the diagnosis of dislocation of the ossicles and ossicular prostheses. VE was less effective in diagnosing other pathologies of the ossicular chain.
Martin
Christian
C
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Saint-Etienne University Hospital, Bellevue Hospital, Saint-Etienne, France. christian.martin@chu-st-etienne.fr
Michel
Frédéric
F
Pouget
Jean-François
JF
Veyret
Charlès
C
Bertholon
Pierre
P
Prades
Jean-Michel
JM
D004429:Ear Ossicles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009998:Ossicular Prosthesis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000379:methods; D014584:User-Computer Interface