T2-weighted turbo spin-echo images, maximum-intensity projections, and three-dimensional volume-rendering for delineation of pathologies and anatomic details of the inner ear.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the current study was to compare 3-dimensional T2-weighted turbo spin-echo (TSE) axial slices, maximum-intensity projections (MIPs), and volume-rendered images with respect to the delineation of pathologic findings and anatomic structures of the inner ear. Each of the compared image types was available at 2 different resolutions.


METHODS
In 64 patients, 3-dimensional T2-TSE images were acquired with a matrix of 128 x 100 and 230 x 230 (field-of-view 90 x 90 mm). Direct axial images, MIPs, and volume-rendered images from the 2 datasets were evaluated in terms of the delineation of pathologic findings and anatomic structures. Analysis was performed by 2 radiologists in consensus.


RESULTS
Though axial images acquired with a matrix of 230 x 230 showed more anatomic details than images acquired with a matrix of 128 x 100, pathologic findings (33 in total) were assessable with the same confidence on images of either resolution. Pathologies completely surrounded by fluid were best assessed on axial slices. The delineation of pathologies not embedded in a fluid was almost equally good in axial slices, MIPs, or 3-dimensional volume-rendered images.


CONCLUSIONS
Reading the axial images cannot be replaced by viewing postprocessed reconstructions for initial diagnosis, because only some of the pathologies can be delineated on MIPs and volume reconstructions. However, reconstructions can be valuable for assessing the extent of pathologies and their spatial relation to the anatomic structures.
Krombach
Gabriele A
GA
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital, University of Technology (RWTH) Aachen, Germany. krombach@rad.rwth-aachen.de
Martiny
Sandra
S
Di Martino
Ercole
E
Westhofen
Michael
M
Stanzel
Sven
S
Haage
Patrick
P
Prescher
Andreas
A
Buecker
Arno
A
Günther
Rolf W
RW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007223:Infant; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged