Analysis of the morphological and functional characteristics of the Eustachian tube using multislice CT and 320-row Area Detector CT

Since impairment of functions of the Eustachian tube can lead to various diseases of the middle ear, it is considered that morphological and functional evaluation of the Eustachian tube is of clinical importance. However, it has been difficult to evaluate the Eustachian tube because it is located deep in the head, and most of the morphological studies conducted in the past have been based on the examination of specimens obtained from cadavers. One limitation of such studies is that dynamic processes in the living body cannot be evaluated. Multislice CT permits the Eustachian tube to be evaluate greater detail in living subjects and has provided new findings in morphological studies. Furthermore, the latest Area Detector CT systems allow dynamic studies to be performed. This report describes the basic principles of this examination technique and presents the latest findings obtained by analysis of the morphological and functional characteristics of the Eustachian tube using Multislice CT and Area Detector CT.