[The value of high-resolution computerized tomography in abnormalities of the middle ear]

Middle ear malformations are common congenital disorders of the head and neck area. Recent advances in plastic and middle ear surgery have improved the prognosis of patients suffering from congenital hearing disorders. However, sophisticated preoperative procedures are mandatory. The development of HR-CT has improved the radiologic possibilities to evaluate middle ear disorders significantly. In the present study we examined by means of HR-CT twenty patients with congenital middle ear malformation. Our findings include different sizes of the middle ear as well as dysplastic alterations of the malleus and incus. The inner ear was normal in almost all cases. Our results indicate that preoperative HR-CT is a reliable diagnostic method to demonstrate middle ear disorders.