Otosclerosis under microCT: New insights into the disease and its anatomy

Purpose Otospongiotic plaques can be seen on conventional computed tomography (CT) as focal lesions around the cochlea. However, resolution remains insufficient to enable evaluation of intracochlear damage. MicroCT technology provides at single micron level, offering an exceptional amplified view otosclerotic In this study, a non-decalcified cochlea was analyzed and reconstructed in three dimensions for first time, using microCT technology. The pre-clinical relevance study is demonstration extensive pro-inflammatory buildup inside which cannot with cone-beam CT (CBCT) investigation. Materials Methods A radiological three-dimensional (3D) anatomical presented here time. 3D-segmentation human performed, providing unprecedented diseased area without need decalcification, sectioning, or staining. Results Using geometric reconstructions, it possible visualize disease's effects. These included intensive tissue remodeling highly vascularized areas dilated capillaries spongiotic foci pericochlear bone. cochlea's architecture morphological correlate otosclerosis also seen. With sagittal cut 3D mesh, intense ossification cochlear apex, well internal auditory canal, modiolus, spiral ligament, large cochleolith over osseous lamina. addition, oval round windows showed fibrotic formation bone increased vascularization. Given recently described importance lamina hearing mechanics that, clinically, one signs Carhart notch observed audiogram, tonotopic map region interest presented. An additional quantitative porosity width reported. Conclusion structural alterations were visualized suggested that even though disease may not appear advanced standard clinical scans, already ongoing That knowledge will have great impact further treatment patients presenting sensorineural loss.