Pseudocolor transformation for visualization of ossicles in CT images.
CONCLUSIONS
Pseudocolor transformation demonstrated partial efficiency for increasing the visibility of the stapes and the incudostapedial (IS) joint in CT images. Variable color transformation could be examined in the future for increasing detection of otologic lesions.


OBJECTIVE
Pseudocolor transformation is a technique for artificially assigning colors to a gray scale. This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of the pseudocolor transformation technique for the visualization of ossicles in temporal bone CT images.


METHODS
Twenty CT studies of healthy ears were reviewed. CT images were transformed to pseudocolor (rainbow scale) with Image-Pro Plus 4.0. software and compared with plain images using the following rating scale. For each image one of five scores concerning the visibility of the stapes and IS joint was given: 1, not seen; 2, probably not seen; 3, not sure; 4, probably seen; 5, definitely seen. Visualization sensitivity was determined through statistical analysis using a paired t test.


RESULTS
The stapes and IS joint were more easily identifiable in pseudocolor-transformed images compared with plain images (p<0.05). The oval window and footplate were both more easily distinguishable in pseudocolor-transformed images compared with plain images (p<0.05).
Park
Moon-Suh
MS
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Gangdong-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea. pmsuh@yahoo.co.kr
Byun
Jae-Yong
JY
Cha
Chang-Il
CI
D003116:Color; D004429:Ear Ossicles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D010046:Oval Window, Ear / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D012016:Reference Values; D013199:Stapes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed