[Computerized tomography in middle ear diagnosis--a comparison with conventional methods]

Due to important improvement in detail resolution and the excellent contrast resolution, in the newest computed tomography (CT) units, normal and pathologic structures of the inner and middle ear can be visualized. The clinical value of CT in comparison to standard X-rays and tomography is prospectively evaluated on the basis of 50 patient examinations. Today CT is unsurpassed in the diagnosis of cholesteatomas and glomus tumors and is superior to all other imaging techniques. Chronic inflammatory diseases of the middle ear can be evaluated in most cases on the basis of standard X-rays and tomography. CT's importance is primarily complementary, except for preoperative cases. Fractures should be visualized first on standard X-rays. If questionable complications are involved (e.g., tympanic or intracranial hematomas), CT should be the next step. Conventional tomograms are not necessary.