Читать книгу Vestibular Disorders - Группа авторов - Страница 29

Rapid development of radiological equipment over the last several decades has significantly promoted the role of imaging in otology. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have become an integral part of the evaluation of children and adults with hearing loss and diseases associated with temporal bone. The currently used multidetector CT (MDCT) techniques allow bony tissue determination with an accuracy of 0.1 mm. Recently, cone-beam CT (CBCT) technology has become particularly attractive for temporal bone imaging as CBCT imaging reduces the exposure to ionizing radiation when compared with traditional MDCT. However, changes in inner ear fluid spaces became possible only with 3T or higher MRI equipment in combination with contrast agents and special imaging techniques.

Abnormalities on CT or MRI are found in 20–50% of children with sensorineural hearing loss and correlate with the degree of hearing loss [1]. Imaging of the temporal bone by using both MRI and MDCT is likely the future gold standard for temporal bone imaging [2]. Some recent and novel imaging methods have been currently used experimentally in temporal bone studies but have not yet been applied clinically and these may provide additional imaging benefits in the future. Noteworthy to mention are optical coherence tomography imaging [3–5], microtomography (µCT) [6] and endoscopes using coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) technique [7] and development of advanced of contrasting agents [8]. This chapter provides an overview of current temporal bone imaging methods and a review of emerging concepts in temporal bone imaging technology.