Cross-Sectional Imaging Evaluation of Congenital Temporal Bone Anomalies: What Each Radiologist Should Know

Clinical application of high-resolution spiral CT scanning in the diagnosis of auriculotemporal and ossicle

Precision and intelligence in evaluating the complexities of middle ear structures are required to diagnose auriculotemporal and ossicle-related diseases within otolaryngology. Due to the complexity of the anatomical details and the varied etiologies of illnesses such as trauma, chronic otitis media, and congenital anomalies, traditional diagnostic procedures may not yield accurate diagnoses. This research intends to enhance the diagnosis of diseases of the auriculotemporal region and ossicles by combining High-Resolution Spiral Computed Tomography (HRSCT) scanning with Deep Learning Techniques (DLT). This study employs a deep learning method, Convolutional Neural Network-UNet (CNN-UNet), to extract sub-pixel information from medical photos. This method equips doctors and researchers with cutting-edge resources, leading to groundbreaking discoveries and better patient healthcare. The research effort is the interaction between the CNN-UNet model and high-resolution Computed Tomography (CT) scans, automating activities including ossicle segmentation, fracture detection, and disruption cause classification, accelerating the diagnostic process and increasing clinical decision-making. The suggested HRSCT-DLT model represents the integration of high-resolution spiral CT scans with the CNN-UNet model, which has been fine-tuned to address the nuances of auriculotemporal and ossicular diseases. This novel combination improves diagnostic efficiency and our overall understanding of these intricate diseases. The results of this study highlight the promise of combining high-resolution CT scanning with the CNN-UNet model in otolaryngology, paving the way for more accurate diagnosis and more individualized treatment plans for patients experiencing auriculotemporal and ossicle-related disruptions.

Quantitative anatomy of the primary ossification center of the squamous part of temporal bone in the human fetus

Detailed numerical data about the development of primary ossification centers in human fetuses may influence both better evaluation and early detection of skeletal dysplasias, which are associated with delayed development and mineralization of ossification centers. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the medical literature to morphometrically analyze the primary ossification center of the squamous part of temporal bone in human fetuses based on computed tomography imaging. The present study offers a precise quantitative foundation for ossification of the squamous part of temporal bone that may contribute to enhanced prenatal care and improved outcomes for fetuses with inherited cranial defects and skeletodysplasias. The examinations were carried out on 37 human fetuses of both sexes (16 males and 21 females) aged 18-30 weeks of gestation, which had been preserved in 10% neutral formalin solution. Using CT, digital image analysis software, 3D reconstruction and statistical methods, the size of the primary ossification center of the squamous part of temporal bone was evaluated. With neither sex nor laterality differences, the best-fit growth patterns for the primary ossification center of the squamous part of temporal bone was modelled by the linear function: y = -0.7270 + 0.7682 × age ± 1.256 for its vertical diameter, and the four-degree polynomial functions: y = 5.434 + 0.000019 × (age)4 ± 1.617 for its sagittal diameter, y = -4.086 + 0.00029 × (age)4 ± 2.230 for its projection surface area and y = -25.213 + 0.0004 × (age)4 ± 3.563 for its volume. The CT-based numerical data and growth patterns of the primary ossification center of the squamous part of temporal bone may serve as age-specific normative intervals of relevance for gynecologists, obstetricians, pediatricians and radiologists during screening ultrasound scans of fetuses. Our findings for the growing primary ossification center of the squamous part of temporal bone may be conducive in daily clinical practice, while ultrasonically monitoring normal fetal growth and screening for inherited cranial faults and skeletodysplasias.