[Significance of computerized tomography in middle ear diagnosis]

Due to the important improvement represented by the latest computed tomography (CT) technology in respect of detail and excellent contrast resolution normal and pathological structures of the inner and middle ear can be visualised. The clinical and diagnostic value of CT in comparison to standard x-rays and tomography is prospectively evaluated on the basis 74 patient examinations. Today CT is unsurpassed in the diagnosis of cholesteatomas and glomus tumours and ranks first among all imaging modalities. Chronic inflammatory diseases and deformities of the middle ear can be evaluated in most cases on the basis of standard x-rays and tomography. The importance of CT is primarily complementary, except in preoperative cases. Fractures should be visualised first via standard x-rays. In cases of questionable complications (e.g. tympanic or intracranial haematomas), CT should be the next step. Conventional tomograms are not necessary.