Open AccessEndolymphatic Sac Assessed by 3D Cone Beam CT in Ménière Disease
Author(s) -
Miuchi Shinya,
Hyodo Jun,
Yanagihara Naoaki,
Sakagami Masafumi
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599811415823a247
Subject(s) - volume rendering , medicine , semicircular canal , rendering (computer graphics) , cone beam computed tomography , cone beam ct , computed tomography , radiology , nuclear medicine , computer science , artificial intelligence , vestibular system
Objective The poster introduces new 3D Cone‐beam CT (CBCT) images of endolymphatic sac (ELS). The volume rendering provides realistic image of ELS in relation to the semicircular canal, enabling one to assess location, size, and shape preoperatively. The results are compared with operative findings to confirm clinical values of the new imaging technology. Method The 3D Cone‐beam CT images of the 12 patients with Ménière diseases who underwent an endolymphatic mastoid shunt operation between 2008 and 2011 were obtained at our hospital. We assessed location, size, and shape of the ELS. The results of preoperative assessments were compared with the operational findings. Results First we present clear and sharp 3D pictures of ELS and the semicircular canal using volume rendering incomparable to conventional CT. In 11 patients, the ELS was located exactly along the Donaldson line. In one patient, it was located inferiorly to the line. Size of the ELS was moderate in 6 patients, small in 5, and exceedingly small in 1. Cross section of the sac was circular in 3 patients, oval and flat in 8, and unverified in 1 because the size was too small. The above findings agree with the operational findings closely. Conclusion In 3D Cone‐beam CT, we could get more informative and better quality images than in conventional CT. Thanks to the preoperative realistic 3D images of ELS and the semicircular canal, we could perform the sac operation more safely and easily. Imaging information thus obtained may help deepen the understanding of Ménière’s disease.