Spatial Imaging of the Human Tympanic Membrane

Abstract

The goal of the study is to non-invasively image the tympanic membrane in vivo, using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). 8 subjects between the ages of 20 and 26 (4 male and 4 female) were recruited for the study. A comparison was made between the results of imaging the right tympanic membrane by high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and MRI. The experiment employed the techniques of HRCT and MRI to produce images of the human tympanic membrane, in vivo. The experiment also involved analyzing the performance of the multi-slice single echo (MSSE) sequence of MRI, and an evaluation of their respective image qualities and differences. This study has helped to establish an in vivo imaging procedure for the human tympanic membrane. The study has revealed that HRCT images have a higher resolution and SNR as compared to MRI images. This could be due to the inherent tissue composition of the tympanic membrane and/or the higher background noise encountered in MRI systems. As HRCT imaging systems contribute to patient radiation dose, MRI and surface coil were employed to generate in vivo human tympanic membrane images. We are able to clearly observe the 3D spatial boundaries and structures of the human tympanic membrane in vivo, indicating that our technology can provide valuable information, which can aid clinical diagnosis and patient management after myringoplasty.