AUTHOR=van den Boogert Thomas , van Hoof Marc , Handschuh Stephan , Glueckert Rudolf , Guinand Nils , Guyot Jean-Philippe , Kingma Herman , Perez-Fornos Angelica , Seppen Bart , Johnson Chacko Lejo , Schrott-Fischer Anneliese , van de Berg Raymond
TITLE=Optimization of 3D-Visualization of Micro-Anatomical Structures of the Human Inner Ear in Osmium Tetroxide Contrast Enhanced Micro-CT Scans
JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neuroanatomy
VOLUME=12
YEAR=2018
URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroanatomy/articles/10.3389/fnana.2018.00041
DOI=10.3389/fnana.2018.00041
ISSN=1662-5129
ABSTRACT=Introduction: Knowledge of the neuro-anatomical architecture of the inner ear contributes to the improvement and development of cochlear and vestibular implants. The present knowledge is mainly based on two-dimensional images (histology) or derived models that simplify the complexity of this architecture. This study investigated the feasibility of visualizing relevant neuro-anatomical structures of the inner ear in a dynamic three-dimensional reproduction, using a combination of staining, micro-CT imaging and an image processing algorithm.
Methods: Four fresh cadaveric temporal bones were postfixed with osmium tetroxide (OsO4) and decalcified with EDTA. Micro-CT was used for scanning at 10 μm (4 scans) and 5.5 μm (1 scan) voxel resolution. A new image processing algorithm was developed and the scans were visualized in open source software.
Results: OsO4 enhanced the contrast in all scans and the visualization was substantially improved by the image processing algorithm. The three-dimensional renderings provided detailed visualization of the whole inner ear. Details were visible up to the size of individual neurons, nerve crossings and the specific neuro-anatomical structures such as the tunnel of Corti.
Conclusion: The combination of OsO4, micro-CT and the proposed image processing algorithm provides an accurate and detailed visualization of the three-dimensional micro-anatomy of the human inner ear.