3D-CTVR in diagnosis of integrity and pathological changes of ossicular chain in conductive hearing loss
Yang Feng
Song Rendong
Liu Yang
Abstract：Objective To evaluate clinical values of three-dimensional volume rendered computer tomography (3D-CTVR) in diagnosing ossicular chain abnormalities in otosclerosis, and in ossicular chain absence/malformation (con-ductive hearing loss with intact tympanic membrane). Methods Thirty six patients participated in the study. All patients had conductive hearing loss, with intact tympanic membrane, normal external ear canal, type A tympanogram and negative Gelle’s test. All patients underwent pre-operative CT scan and the respective radiologic reports of ossicles were compared to surgical findings. Quantitative assessments of various segments of the ossicular chain were based on a 3-point scoring sys-tem. Using plain x ray as references, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CTVR on different segments were evaluated in comparison to findings during the operation. Results 3D-CTVR images showed the integrity and pathological state of the ossicular chain well. CT imaging of stapes superstructure and malformations mostly agreed with surgical findings (P>0.05) and was superior to conventional plain x ray imaging (P=0.00). Conclusion Together with conventional plain x ray, CTVR provides better view of fine ossicular chain structures in conductive hearing loss with normal tympanic membranes. Further-more, the use of CTVR may have profound value in the diagnosis of otosclerosis and ossicular chain absence or malforma-tion.
Keywords：otosclerosismalformation volume rendered computer tomographysection plane
Publication Date：2015-01-01
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：4( 663-666 )