Manipulation of CT data for temporal-bone imaging.

Abstract

The usefulness of CT [computed tomographic] in studying the human temporal bone is limited by spatial resolution and by the range of absorption coefficients which can be displayed. The effect of 4 types of data manipulation were evaluated as follows: reconstruction of data with different convolution filters (target reconstruction), extension of the range of CT numbers, mathematical filtration to enhance edges and correction for beam hardening. Target reconstruction and extension of the CT range significantly improved visualization of small structures in the temporal bone.