Computed tomographic 3D analysis of the cochlear aqueduct—potential and limitations of clinical imaging

Abstract

Background: The cochlear aqueduct (CA), which connects the scala tympani and the subarachnoid space, and its accompanying structures appear to have a significant relevance during cochlear implantation and an accurate visualization in clinical imaging is of great interest. Aims and Objective: This study aims to determine which potential and limitations clinically available imaging modalities have in the visualization of the CA. Methods: Micro-CT, flat-panel volume computed tomography with and without secondary reconstruction (fpVCT, fpVCTseco) and multislice computed tomography (MSCT) of 10 temporal bone specimen were used for 3D analysis of the CA. Results: FpVCTseco proved superior in visualizing the associated structures and lateral portions of the CA, which merge into the basal turn of the cochlea. All clinical imaging modalities proved equal in analyzing the length, total volume of the CA and its area of the medial orifice. Conclusion: The choice of the most accurate clinical imaging modality to evaluate the CA and its associated structures depends on the clinical or scientific question. Furthermore, this study should provide a basis for further investigations analyzing the CA.

Chinese Abstract

背景

连接鼓阶和蛛网膜下腔空间的耳蜗导水管 (CA), 及其附属结构似乎在人工耳蜗植入过程中具有显著的相关性, 其临床成像的准确可视化具有很大的意义。

目的

本研究旨在确定CA 可视化的临床上可用的成像方式具有何种潜力和局限性。

方法

将10 份颞骨标本的显微 CT、带或不带二次重建的平板体积计算机断层扫描(fpVCT、fpVCTseco) 和多层计算机断层扫描 (MSCT) 用于 CA 的 3D 分析。

结果

事实证明, FpVCTseco 在CA相关结构和侧部的可视化方面具有优越性, 侧部并入至耳蜗的基转。 所有临床成像方式均被证明在分析 CA 的长度、总体积及其内侧孔面积方面是相同的。

结论

选择最准确的临床影像学方式来评估 CA 及其相关结构取决于临床或科学问题。 此外, 这项研究可以为进一步研究分析CA提供基础。

Keywords:

• 3D analysis
• temporal bone
• computed tomography

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was generously supported bei the “Interdisciplinary Center for Clincal Research Wuerzburg”, IZKF Wuerzburg (grant #Z-2/89 (JE), #Z-2/CSP-4 (JV) and #Z3BC/05 (BS)), Beethovenstrasse 1a, Wuerzburg, D-97080, Germany.