High-resolution flat-panel computed tomography imaging of cochlear implants

Metallic streak artifacts and the high density of the temporal bones can limit the radiological assessment of cochlear implants. Flat-panel computed tomography (CT) is a relatively new imaging modality that provides CT-like images; however, they are acquired with a C-arm–based x-ray system using flat-panel image detectors. Secondary reconstructions of the initial data set using a manually generated field of view, Hounsfield Units kernel type, and sharp image characteristic create even higher resolution images. Radiation dose is less than that of multislice CT imaging of the temporal bones and can be further reduced by collimating the volume of interest during image acquisition to only include the temporal bones. Flat-panel CT is emerging as a promising imaging tool for the evaluation of cochlear implant placement.