High-resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone: its role in the evaluation of middle ear disease

High-resolution computed tomography (CT) was performed on the temporal bones of 93 patients in conjunction with pluridirectional tomography. The majority of the patients were scanned on the prototype Pfizer 0200 FS second-generation scanner, modified to meet the demands of high-resolution scanning. Images from this relatively economical scanner are almost comparable to those obtainable with the GE CT/T 8800 scanner in spatial and contrast resolution. CT scans of the temporal bone were found to be more sensitive than pluridirectional tomography in visualizing fractures and soft tissue masses in the middle ear, including fluid levels and tympanic membrane swelling. It is concluded that high-resolution CT of the temporal bone will probably soon entirely replace pluridirectional tomography.