Purpose. Improve the diagnostic and treatment of isolated malformation of the middle ear

Materials and methods. 40 patients with various types of middle ear abnormalities were examined. The average age was 30.5 years. As the main research method was used Spiral computed tomography of the temporal bones (Siemens Somatom Sensation 40 computer tomograph) than the initial data sets were then reconstructed at 0.1-mm intervals. Three-dimensional images with VI were obtained from the original 2D data.

Various protocols of multi-projection display of bony structures were used, including bones and structures of the inner ear (for example, the cochlea, vestibule, semicircular canals),  to the 3D reformation.

In the analysis of CT of the temporal bones, special attention was paid attention to the ossicular chain, the interposition of the facial nerve, the absence of the vestibule window.

Results. Using this method were diagnosed anomalies of the middle ear and the facial nerve. Three-dimensional models of individual anatomical structures were created and displayed in different colors. The display of the relevant anatomical and pathological structures was evaluated in 2D grayscale slices, 3D images and 2D slices showing the segmented 2D anatomy in different colors for each structure.

Conclusion. 3D CT allows a more detailed assessment of the anatomy of the temporal bone, including its microanatomical structures, and used to evaluate the anomalies of the temporal bone and the choice of treatment tactics.