Comparison of digital volume tomography and high-resolution computed tomography in detecting superior semicircular canal dehiscence--a temporal bone study.
CONCLUSIONS
In detecting a thin bony coverage of a superior semicircular canal (SSC), digital volume tomography (DVT) scans in Poeschl projection seem to be superior to high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans. Still, a definite diagnosis of SSC dehiscence (SSCD) is not possible with any radiologic imaging technique.


OBJECTIVE
To compare CT and DVT to find out whether DVT is equal, better or worse in showing a thin bony layer on top of an SCC.


METHODS
In 11 human temporal bone specimens, the SSC was microscopically blue-lined leaving a thin bony coverage on top of it. All specimens were assessed with both high-resolution CT and DVT. After reconstructing the images in Stenvers and Poeschl projections, all images were evaluated by five independent examiners experienced in radiologic imaging of the temporal bone using a four-point ordinal scale, from 1 (distinct dehiscence) to 4 (distinct coverage).


RESULTS
The mean score for all CT scans was 2.58 compared with 3.22 for DVT scans (p = 0.000). Poeschl projection showed a mean score of 3.25 compared with 2.55 for Stenvers projection (p = 0.000). The best imaging modality was found to be DVT scans in Poeschl projections, with a mean score of 3.60.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.
Martin
M
Bremke
Jan-Christoffer
JC
Luers
Andreas
A
Anagiotos
Antoniu-Oreste
AO
Gostian
Franziska
F
Dorn
Christoph
C
Kabbasch
Claus
C
Unkel
Jens
J
Höllering
Dirk
D
Beutner
D002102:Cadaver; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D012665:Semicircular Canals / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*
CT; Cone beam tomography; DVT; image reconstruction; temporal bone