Int. Adv. Otol. 2010; 6(3) 337-341

Comparison of reformatted 2 D images with 3 D reconstructions based on images from multi-detector CT of the temporal bone in operated COM patients.
Utku Aydil, Ali Köksal, Tuncay Özçelik, Nuri Özgirgin, Bayındır Söğütözü Hospital Department of Otolaryngology, Turkey

Objective: To evaluate benefit of three-dimensional reconstructed computed tomography images in preoperative assessment of the auditory ossicles in chronic otitis media patients.

Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in 30 ears with chronic otitis media. All cases underwent an axial multi-detector computed tomography imaging study. In addition to the axial images, sagittal and coronal multiplanar two-dimensional reformations and three-dimensional reconstructions  were generated. Auditory ossicles were assessed in two-dimensional multiplanar images and three-dimensional reconstructions and compared with surgical findings.

Results: Diagnostic value of three-dimensional reconstructions were equal or lower to two-dimensional images for evaluation of the ossicular chain. Suprastructure of the stapes was difficult to visualise on the three-dimensional images.

Conclusion: Three-dimensional reconstructions are not useful in preoperative evaluation of the ossicular chain in chronic otitis media patients.