Image fusion of CT and MRI for the visualization of the auditory and vestibular system.

The aim of this study was to perform a realistic visualization of the auditory and vestibular system using volume data sets from high-resolution computed tomography (HR-CT) and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI). - In 10 patients with conductive and/or sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo and tinnitus, HR-CT and HR-MRI of the petrous bone were performed consecutively. CT was performed with a 16-slice computed tomography scanner using a high spatial resolution. MRI was performed with a 3.0 Tesla scanner using a three-dimensional-constructive interference in steady state (3D-CISS) gradient-echo, and T2-weighted, unenhanced and gadolinium (GD)-enhanced T1-weighted turbo spin-echo sequences. The middle ear structures were interactively segmented and visualized with a color-coded shaded-surface rendering method using the HR-CT volume data sets. The inner ear structures were interactively segmented and visualized with a color-coded shaded-surface rendering method using the high-resolution 3D-CISS MRI volume data sets. Finally, both shaded-surface rendered models were superimposed semi-automatically using a commercial available software program to visualize the auditory and vestibular system. - The representation of the middle and inner ear structures with image fusion of HR-CT and HR-MRI takes advantage of both the high bony contrast of HR-CT and the high soft tissue contrast discrimination and sensitivity to fluids of HR-MRI, as well as the high spatial resolution of both modalities. In comparison to the fused axial CT/MRI, the images of 3D CT/MRI fusion facilitates a clear representation and better spatial orientation. - The middle and inner ear consists of bony structures, soft tissue structures and fluid-filled spaces. For this reason, the image fusion of volume data sets from HR-CT and HR-MRI allowed an optimized and realistic visualization of the auditory and vestibular system.

Computed tomographic findings in bourneville-pringle disease.

Bourneville-Pringle disease (synonym: tuberous sclerosis, epiploia) is a neuroectodermal disorder. A characteristic clinical triad of adenoma sebaceum, mental retardartion, and seizures leads to early childhood diagnosis. Many patients show morphological changes of the visceral organs, vascular, and skeletal system. We review the computed tomographic findings of Bourneville-Pringle disease as relates to an oligosymptomatic 36-year-old woman with late onset of clinical symptoms.