American Journal of Neuroradiology, Vol 19, Issue 10 1819-1822, Copyright © 1998 by American Society of Neuroradiology
ARTICLES |
Inner ear volumetric measurements using high-resolution 3D T2-weighted fast spin-echo MR imaging: initial experience in healthy subjects
ER Melhem, H Shakir, S Bakthavachalam, CB MacDonald, J Gira, SD Caruthers and H Jara
Department of Radiology, Boston University School of Medicine and Medical Center, MA 02118, USA.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Adult size is achieved in the inner ear labyrinth by approximately 25 weeks' gestation, and minimal variability in age, sex, side, and race is found after birth. In this study, we opted to determine the reproducibility of inner ear volumetric measurements generated from high-resolution heavily T2-weighted 3D fast spin-echo MR images. METHODS: The temporal bones of 23 volunteers were imaged using a heavily T2-weighted 3D fast spin-echo MR imaging technique. The images were assessed by a neuroradiologist for the presence of inner ear configurational anomalies and, most important, for complete coverage of the inner ear labyrinth. Subsequently, the volume of the fluid in the inner ear was determined by two observers using a semiautomated segmentation algorithm. The mean, SD, range, and coefficient of variation of fluid volume in the inner ear were calculated. Age-, sex-, and side-related differences in the inner ear volumetric measurements were evaluated using analysis of variance. Interrater consistency in the inner ear volumetric measurements was evaluated by comparing the calculated coefficients of reliability. RESULTS: Volumetric measurements were available from 46 inner ears in 23 volunteers. The mean volume was 227.8 mm3 (SD, 24.4 mm3), and the coefficient of variation was 10.7%. No age-, sex-, or side-related differences in the inner ear volumetric measurements were found (F ratios were 4.33, 5.04, and 0.26, respectively). Interrater consistency, as assessed by the coefficient of reliability, was 5.3%. CONCLUSION: Reproducible volumetric measurements of the inner ear labyrinth can be obtained by applying a semiautomated segmentation algorithm to a heavily T2-weighted 3D fast spin-echo MR imaging data set. These volumetric measurements may help identify patients with congenital sensorineural hearing loss and normal inner ear configuration.
This article has been cited by other articles:
 |
|
 |
|
  S. Naganawa, T. Koshikawa, E. Iwayama, H. Fukatsu, T. Ishiguchi, T. Ishigaki, M. Ikeda, T. Nakashima, and N. Ichinose MR Imaging of the Enlarged Endolymphatic Duct and Sac Syndrome by Use of a 3D Fast Asymmetric Spin-echo Sequence: Volume and Signal-intensity Measurement of the Endolymphatic Duct and Sac and Area Measurement of the Cochlear Modiolus AJNR Am. J. Neuroradiol., October 1, 2000; 21(9): 1664 - 1669. [Abstract] [Full Text]
|
|