A scanning system for middle and inner ear scans

A scanning system for middle and inner ear scans is reported. Using pinhole collimators specifically designed for a scintillation camera, activity accumulation in the inner ear can be differentiated with adequate accuracy. This is well illustrated by phantom studies using a petrosal bone specimen. Otosclerotic foci in the labyrinthine capsule can successfully be demonstrated by 99m-Tc-MDP scanning. These can be examined for their metabolic activity by quantitative measurements. Acoustic neurinomas, even those quantitative measurements. Acoustic neurinomas, even those confined to the internal auditory canal, can be diagnosed by 99m-Tc04. Similary, the cochlear blood pool can be visualized. With the help of gamma emitting radiocompounds metabolic studies of the labyrinth have become possible. (Author)