RESUMO
PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to analyze the diagnostic value of some temporal bone structures, e.g., ossicular chain, with digital volume tomography (DVT) compared with computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Radiological imaging for presentation structures of the temporal bone were performed by DVT and CT. Axial and coronal scans in vitro examinations were performed in 38 human temporal bones. 43 structures were defined. The frequency of visualization of these anatomic structures were studied and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: In the present study there was a higher significance of identified structures in DVT. In 15 (34.9%) temporal bone specimens defined structures were found equally in DVT and CT scans of axial images and 12 (27.9%) of coronal images. However, 9 structures (20.1%) of axial scans and 5 structures (11.6%) of coronal scans could be identified statistically significantly (P < 0.05) more often in DVT than in CT. CONCLUSION: Anatomical structures of the temporal bone can be identified in higher significance in DVT than in CT scans.