Three-dimensional reconstruction of the temporal bone from a case of E trisomy syndrome.

Abstract

Computer-assisted three-dimensional reconstruction was performed from histologic sections of the left temporal bone removed from a case of E trisomy syndrome. The reconstructions included structures such as the bony and membranous labyrinths, ossicles, ossicular muscles, tympanic membrane, and facial and eighth nerves. The structures could be observed individually or simultaneously in combination. Prominent abnormalities observed in these reconstructions included enlargement of the utricle, absence of the posterior semicircular canal, slight hypoplasia of the cochlea, anomaly of the stapes, abnormally shaped stapedius muscle, abnormal course of the facial nerve, and flattening of the tympanic membrane. The results were useful for the visual and stereoscopic understanding of abnormal configurations and the spatial orientations of these abnormalities.