title: X-ray microtomography study of otic capsule deficiencies: three-dimensional modelling of the fissula ante fenestram.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The postulated sites of perilymph fistulae involve otic capsule deficiencies, in particular, at the fissula ante fenestram. Histological studies have revealed this to be a channel extending from the middle ear, and becoming continuous with the inner ear medial to the anterior limit of the oval window. The relationship between a patent fissula and symptoms of perilymph fistula is contentious.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The understanding of the anatomy of the fissula ante fenestram is incomplete. Histopathology is inherently destructive to the delicate ultrastructure of the middle and inner ear. Conversely, X-ray microtomography allows non-destructive examination of the otic capsule. In this study, we used X-ray microtomography to characterise the fissula ante fenestram.
  
  
  METHODS
  We imaged cadaveric temporal bones with X-ray microtomography. We used the Avizo Fire (Visualization Science Group, Merignac Cedex, France) software to perform post-processing and image analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three-dimensional modelling of the fissula ante fenestram allowed stratification into four forms: rudimentary pit; partial fissula; complete occluded fissula; and complete patent fissula.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  X-ray microtomography showed that the fissula ante fenestram is present in various forms from rudimentary pit to complete deficiency of the otic capsule. This understanding may have implications for otologic surgery and clinical diagnosis of perilymph fistula.
authors.affiliation: Kolling Deafness Research Centre,Royal North Shore Hospital,University of Sydney Medical School,Australia.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Kolling Deafness Research Centre,Royal North Shore Hospital,University of Sydney Medical School,Australia.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sale
authors.affiliation: Kolling Deafness Research Centre,Royal North Shore Hospital,University of Sydney Medical School,Australia.
authors.forename: N P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Patel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003052:Cochlear Aqueduct / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D005276:Fenestration, Labyrinth; D005402:Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D012665:Semicircular Canals / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D012984:Software; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography
keywords: Hearing Disorders; Hearing Loss; Perilymph; Petrous Bone; Tinnitus; X-Ray Microtomography