Conclusion
Conventional radiography remains the most commonly available imaging modality to the general practitioner. Not only it is relatively easy to perform, but it remains the least expensive alternative in practice.
However, it is less sensitive than CT and MRI for the diagnosis of middle-ear disease and has little value in the diagnosis of otitis interna. Both CT and MRI are effective in outlining a disease process by eliminating superimposition of surrounding structures as they generate tomographic imaging of the middle ear. CT offers better anatomical detail of the middle ear than MRI because it excels in imaging bone. However, artifacts often obscure the pons, limiting its value for the diagnosis of vestibular disease, compared with MRI. Otitis interna cannot be diagnosed with CT. MRI does not use ionizing radiation and its tissue-contrast resolution is superior to that of CT. It also has the ability to image the animal in infinite planes; it can assess the pons more effectively than CT, and preliminary studies have shown good potential in the diagnosis of otitis interna. However, MRI is the most expensive and least available of the imaging modalities discussed in this chapter. MRI scanning takes longer and cannot image the normal bullae and petrosal portions of the temporal bone with the detail achieved with CT. The practitioner should view CT and MRI as complementary techniques rather than competitive imaging modalities. Finally, imaging of the ear is an evolving field. Ultrasound of fluid-filled bullae in an experimental setting has been reported.20 However, this author speculates that MRI of the inner ear could become a more active area of research than ultrasonography.References
1. Eom K, Lee H, Yoon J: Canalographic evaluation of the external ear canal in dogs, Vet Radiol Ultrasound 41(3):231-234, 2000.
2. Hofer P, MN, Bartholdi S, Kaserhotz B: A new radiographic view of the feline tympanic bullae, Vet Radiol Ultrasound 36(1):14-15, 1995.
3. Ziemer LS, Schwarz T, Sullivan M: Otolithiasis in three dogs, Vet Radiol Ultrasound 44(1):28-31, 2003.
4. Farrow CS: Known case conference, Vet Radiol Ultrasound 33:262-263, 1992.
5. Little CJ, Pearson GR, Lane JG: Neoplasia involving the middle ear cavity of dogs, Vet Rec 124(3):54-57, 1989.
6. Rogers KS: Tumors of the ear canal, Vet Clin North Am Sm Anim Pract 18(4):859-868, 1988.
7. Garosi LS, Dennis R, Schwarz T: Review of diagnostic imaging of ear diseases in the dog and cat, Vet Radiol Ultrasound 44(2):137-146, 2003.
8. Trower ND, et al: Evaluation of the canine tympanic membrane by positive contrast ear canalogra- phy, Vet Rec 142(4):78-81, 1998.
9. Russo M, et al: Computed tomographic anatomy of the canine inner and middle ear, Vet Radiol Ultrasound 43(1):22-26, 2002.
10. Love NE, et al: Radiographic and computed tomographic evaluation of otitis media in the dog, Vet Radiol Ultrasound 36(5):375-379, 1995.
11. Tidwell AS, Jones JC: Advanced imaging concepts: a pictorial glossary of CT and MRI technology, Clin Tech Sm Anim Pract 14(2):65-111, 1999.
12. Forrest LJ: The head: excluding the brain and orbit, Clin Tech Sm Anim Pract 14(3):170-176, 1999.
13. Seitz S, Losonsky J, Marretta S: Computed tomographic appearance of inflammatory polyps in three cats, Vet Radiol Ultrasound 37(2): 99-104, 1996.
14. Kaplan P, et al: Basic principles of musculoskeletal MRI. In Musculoskeletal MRI, Philadelphia, 2001, WB Saunders.
15. Chaljub G, et al: Projectile cylinder accidents resulting from the presence of ferromagnetic nitrous oxide or oxygen tanks in the MR suite, AJR Am J Roentgenology 177(1):27-30, 2001.
16. Garosi LS, et al: Results of magnetic resonance imaging in dogs with vestibular disorders: 85 cases (1996-1999), J Am Vet Med Assoc 218(3):385-391, 2001.
17. Allgoewer I, Lucas S, Schmitz SA: Magnetic resonance imaging of the normal and diseased feline middle ear, Vet Radiol Ultrasound 41(5):414-418, 2000.
18. Garosi LS, Lamb CR, Targett MP: MRI findings in a dog with otitis media and suspected otitis interna, Vet Rec 146(17):501-502, 2000.
19. Dvir E, Kirberger RM, Terblanche AG: Magnetic resonance imaging of otitis media in a dog, Vet Radiol Ultrasound 41(1):46-49, 2000.
20. Griffiths LG, et al: Ultrasonography versus radiography for detection of fluid in the canine tympanic bulla, Vet Radiol Ultrasound 44(2):210-213, 2003.
More on the topic Conclusion:
- Conclusion
- Conclusion
- Conclusion
- CONCLUSION
- Conclusion
- Conclusion
- Conclusion
- Conclusion
- Conclusion: where to next?
- Conclusion
- 5.5 CONCLUSION
- CONCLUSION
- Conclusion
- CONCLUSION AND REFLECTIONS
- Conclusion The Pyramid of Peace: Past, Present and Future
- Conclusion
- Conclusion