title: Evaluation of the implanted cochlear implant electrode by CT scanning with three-dimensional reconstruction.
abstract: CONCLUSIONS
  Computed tomography (CT) scan with three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the inner ear provides a more accurate image of the relationship of the electrode within the cochlear canal, with direct demonstration of electrode insertion depth in the cochlea in comparison with X-ray plain film.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study was designed to evaluate the value of spiral CT scans with 3D reconstruction in determining the insertion site and depth of implanted cochlear implant electrodes.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 172 cochlear implant recipients were involved in this study. The implanted electrodes of all patients were examined by X-ray plain film, and 157 cochlear recipients were examined by spiral CT scans with axial 1 mm image slices. The data from the CT scans were transferred to a workstation for 3D reconstruction (direct volume rendering) of the inner ear. The pseudocolor technique was used to display the electrode.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The insertion depth of the electrode could be evaluated indirectly by the X-ray plain film. In contrast, the stereoscopic images from a CT scan with 3D reconstruction of the inner ear demonstrated the shape, position, and insertion depth of the electrode more accurately.
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Hankou, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China. entwjkong@yahoo.com.cn
authors: Wei-Jia
authors: WJ
authors: Kong
authors: Hua-Mao
authors: HM
authors: Cheng
authors: Hui
authors: H
authors: Ma
authors: Yan-Jun
authors: YJ
authors: Wang
authors: Ping
authors: P
authors: Han
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003051:Cochlea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D055815:Young Adult