RESUMO
Objective (1)To observe the imaging features of the normal anatomic structures of middle ear using CT virtual endoscopy.(2)To study morphologic changes of ear ossicles and auditory ossicular chain of patients with conductive deafness.Methods CTVE of the auditory ossicular chain was performed on GE Hispeed CT/I with 1.0 mm slice thickness at pitch 1, bone algorithm, voltage 140 kV, electric current 170～220 mA, 9.6 cm field of view.Results CTVE could clearly demonstrate the normal auditory ossicular chain and its anatomic details. The demonstration rate of CTVE images in detecting the malleus-incus joint was 100%(162/162), in detecting "L"type incus-stapes joint was 80%(130/162), in detecting the anterior and posterior stapes footplate was 73%(121/162); CTVE could well display the destruction of auditory ossicular chain in otitis media and cholesteatoma and could acurately show the malformation of the auditory ossicular chain.Conclusion CTVE can quickly, non-invasively, three-dimensionally display the middle ear auditory ossicular chain, can provide direct and reliable imaging information for discovering the cause of a disease of conductive deafness.