Cone beam computed tomography, a low-dose imaging technique in the postoperative assessment of cochlear implantation.
BACKGROUND
Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become an extremely useful technique for dentomaxillofacial imaging because it provides clear images of highly contrasted structures. Previous studies evaluating the applicability of this technique in otologic imaging were very encouraging but were only performed in vitro on temporal bone specimens. The intracochlear positioning of the individual electrodes after cochlear implantation by means of CBCT has not yet been shown in vivo.


OBJECTIVE
We describe a protocol for in vivo postoperative imaging of cochlear implants by CBCT. Moreover, the effective dose was measured and compared with the effective dose used on 4- and 16-slice multislice computed tomography (MSCT) by using a RANDO-phantom.


METHODS
Developing a protocol for in vivo postoperative imaging of cochlear implants by CBCT.


RESULTS
CBCT provides high-resolution and almost artifact-free multiplanar reconstruction images allowing assessment of the precise intracochlear position of the electrode and visualization of each of the individual contacts. The calculated effective dose of the used CBCT and MSCT acquisitions is 80 musv for the CBCT, 3,600 musv for the 16-slice computed tomography, and 4,800 musv for the 4-slice computed tomography.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary results suggests that, for in vivo postoperative evaluation of cochlear implants, CBCT can provide at least the same information as conventional radiography, digital radiograph, and MSCT but in a more comfortable and a much more safer way.
Ruivo
Joana
J
Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal.
Mermuys
Koen
K
Bacher
Klaus
K
Kuhweide
Rudolf
R
Offeciers
Erwin
E
Casselman
Jan W
JW
D000465:Algorithms; D016477:Artifacts; D003051:Cochlea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055815:Young Adult