New Imaging Modalities in Otology.

Despite steady improvements in cross-sectional imaging of the ear, current technologies still have limitations in terms of resolution, diagnosis, functional assessment and safety. In this chapter, state-of-the-art imaging techniques in current clinical practice are presented including cone-beam computerized tomography, non-echo planar imaging magnetic resonance imaging, imaging for labyrinthine hydrops and imaging of the central auditory pathways. Potential future imaging modalities are also presented, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) of the ear.

High Frequency Ex Vivo Ultrasound Imaging of the Middle Ear to Show Simulated Ossicular Pathology.

Hypothesis: To illustrate the ability of high frequency ultrasound (HFUS) using a transducer array to demonstrate a variety of simulated clinical scenarios involving the ossicular chain.

Background: HFUS (>20 MHz) is a relatively new area of ultrasonic imaging that provides an order of magnitude better image resolution than the conventional low-frequency systems. HFUS may be a real-time imaging system that could be used in the clinic and would complement computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to enhance the decision-making process for patients with middle ear pathology.