Temporal bone multiplanar reformat imaging

PurposeToday, computed tomography (CT) is the fundamental radiologic method in temporal bone imaging. However, optimal images can not be obtained because of the complex anatomic structure of the temporal bone and the physical restrictions in the positioning of patients during the exam. In our study we aimed to determine in which position the temporal bone anatomic structures and pathologies could be visualized best by applying reconstruction retrospectively to the cross-sections obtained on axial plane.Materials and MethodsWe obtained multi-planar reformat images by applying retro-reconstruction on various planes post-exam, from the axial plane sections which were obtained from the patients who were referred to our CT unit for the temporal bone CT exam by our Siemens mark, Somatom-Emotion model spiral CT device.FindingsAfter the exam, we applied reconstruction on three reference planes (axial, sagittal, coronal) to the images obtained on axial plane which were opened by 0.1 mm intervals.With the new evaluations brought by the multi-planar retro-reconstructions we determined which anatomic plane could visualize normal structure better. We detected oblique planes where the temporal bone anatomic structures (ossicle chain, stapes-oval window, round window, cochlea, vestibular aqueduct, semi-circular ducts and facial nerve) and their pathologies were assessed optimally. We determined that the reconstructed images increased the anatomic and pathologic details and made significant contributions to the evaluation of the relationship of anatomic structures and their pathologies with other normal parts.ConclusionObtaining and assessing the multiplanar reformat new images by retro reconstruction from the patient?s routine axial images; both the need for visualization of coronal sections used in standard temporal bone CT exam in daily practices was eliminated and the temporal bone CT evaluations were carried out in more appropriate conditions since anatomic details were diversified with the presence of new planes. Besides, the dose of radiation received by the patients and the duration of examination could be reduced by elimination of routine coronal plane sections and obtaining new images with retro-reconstruction.Key Words: Temporal bone, CT, multiplanar reformat