Volume rendering technique and high-resolution microCT: 3D exploration of the cochlear anatomy.

Purpose: Given its unique anatomical position and the amalgamation of bony and soft tissues within the cochlea, exploring its intricacies poses persistent challenges. Histopathology remains the gold standard in research, but given its inherent limitations, there is a clear need for innovative alternatives. The integration of microCT technology with advanced volume rendering techniques emerges as a promising approach for overcoming the hurdles associated with anatomical investigations of the cochlea.

Methods: We seamlessly integrated high-resolution microCT cochlear images with medical imaging analysis software to create detailed 3D anatomical images of the human cochlea without the need of sample processing.

Results: Volume rendering allowed a multiplanar, non-destructive, detailed anatomical evaluation of the human cochlea, including its capillary system, as well as soft tissue visualization at single-micron resolution in 3D.

Conclusion: The use of volume rendering in cochlear anatomical studies is underexplored despite the prevalence of 3D reconstruction. This technique presents a promising avenue for scientific investigation, providing researchers with unprecedented insights that can potentially benefit patients with hearing disorders.