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Evaluation of the mastoid air cell system by high resolution computed tomography: three-dimensional multiplanar volume rendering technique

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

Ahmet Koç
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
Gazanfer Ekinci
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology, Medical Faculty of Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
A. Mert Bilgili
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
Ihsan N. Akpinar
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology, Medical Faculty of Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
Hamdi Yakut
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
Turgay Han
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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Abstract

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The mastoid air cell system is an important contributor to the pathophysiology of middle-ear inflammatory disease. The mastoid cavity is not only an air reservoir, but also an active space for gas exchange. Various methods of temporal bone imaging have been designed to investigate mastoid pneumatization. In this study, we examined 100 normal temporal bones for the evaluation of mastoid pneumatization. Mastoid air cell systems were measured by reconstructed axial and coronal high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images. The reconstructions were made by a three-dimensional multiplanar volume rendering (3D MPVR) technique. The mean volume of the mastoid air cell pneumatization was 7.9 cm3 (4.0-14.0 cm3, SD = 2.3 cm3). The ears were allocated to the groups with respect to measured mastoid air cell pneumatization. Twenty-eight per cent of the ears have small pneumatization with an aircell system not exceeding 6 cm3. Fifty-two per cent had an air cell system between six and 10 cm3, and 20 per cent had an air cell system exceeding 10 cm3. With its excellent imaging quality and the ability to eliminate bone and soft tissue, HRCT is the best method for evaluating the mastoid air cell system. The 3D MPVR technique must be used tomeasure the temporal bone/mastoid pneumatization for the best results.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© Royal Society of Medicine Press Limited 2003