High-resolution CT of the temporal bone: a modified baseline.

High-resolution computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bone, particularly axial scanning on a baseline parallel to the orbitomeatal line, produces radiation exposure to the patient's lenses. The authors evaluated the radiation dose to the lens and the visualization of temporal bone structures with use of scanning along the orbitomeatal line and on a line parallel to the hard palate. Evaluation of visualization was performed by five radiologists, with high-resolution CT scans of 45 healthy patients, and the chi 2 test was performed for comparison. The change of the baseline from the orbitomeatal line to a line parallel to the hard palate decreased the radiation dose to the lens from 12.7 cGy to 0.274 cGy and improved visualization of the stapes superstructure and the tympanic portion of the facial nerve canal, although visualization of the incus body, incudostapedial joint, lateral semicircular canal, and oval window was of equal quality. Therefore, the authors recommend a new baseline parallel to the hard palate for use at high-resolution CT of the temporal bone.