Open AccessHigh Resolution Computed Tomography Atlas of the Porcine Temporal Bone and Skull Base: Anatomical Correlates for Traumatic Brain Injury Research
Author(s) -
Renata M. Knoll,
Katherine L. Reinshagen,
Samuel R. Barber,
Iman Ghanad,
Randel L. Swanson,
Douglas H. Smith,
Kalil G. Abdullah,
David Jung,
Aaron K. Remenschneider,
Elliott D. Kozin
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of neurotrauma
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.653
H-Index - 149
eISSN - 1557-9042
pISSN - 0897-7151
DOI - 10.1089/neu.2018.5808
Subject(s) - skull , temporal bone , medicine , anatomy , inner ear , middle ear , high resolution computed tomography , cochlea , traumatic brain injury , vestibular system , computed tomography , radiology , psychiatry
Brain injuries are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Auditory and vestibular dysfunction may occur following trauma to the temporal bone (TB), including the lateral skull base. The porcine model is a commonly used large animal model for investigating brain injury. Reports detailing porcine TB anatomy based on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) imaging, however, are limited. Herein, we employ HRCT to evaluate and describe the bony anatomy of the porcine TB and lateral skull base. High-resolution multi-detector and cone beam CT were used to image porcine TBs (n = 16). TBs were analyzed for major anatomical structures and compared to human species. Porcine temporal bone anatomy was readily identifiable by HRCT. Although some variability exists, the ossicular chain, vestibule, cochlea, course of the facial nerve, and skull base are similar to those of humans. Major differences included position of the external auditory canal and mastoid, as well as presence of the petrous carotid canal. Study findings may serve as an atlas to evaluate the porcine middle and inner ear, as well as lateral skull base injuries for future porcine brain injury models or other studies that require CT-based analysis.