[Functional multispiral computed tomography of sound-transmitting structures in the middle ear]

The objective of this work was to estimate the potential of functional multispiral computed tomography (fMSCT) for the choice and planning of the treatment strategy and the extent of surgical intervention in the patients presenting with fibroosseous diseases of the middle ear associated with the pathologically altered mobility of the auditory ossicles. Studies with the use of MSCT and fMSCT for the examination of temporal bones in 21 patients (25 observations) provided information about normal CT anatomy of the middle ear and a basis for the development of the fMSCT protocol; moreover they allowed the range of mobility of the auditory ossicles to be determined in healthy subjects and patients with middle ear disorders. It is concluded that fMSCT of temporal bones may be recommended to patients suffering otosclerosis, tympanosclerosis, and adhesive otitis media. The use of this technique improves the accuracy of diagnosis and facilitates the choice and planning of the treatment strategy and the extent of surgical intervention in the patients presenting with middle ear diseases.