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The three-dimensional Fourier transform fast imaging with steady precession (FISP) technique was used to obtain high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) images of the temporal bone region and to generate three-dimensional reconstructed images of the inner ear. The three-dimensional reconstructed images of the inner ear were directly synthesized from two-dimensional images of the temporal bone region by means of an external processing computer. With use of three-dimensional reconstructed images and stereoscopic observations, structures inside the temporal bone region and the positional relationship among them were easily recognized. These structures are difficult to demonstrate with two-dimensional images. This three-dimensional method was also shown to be useful for recognition of disease and anatomic malformations in the temporal bone region.

There is no three-dimensional (3D) technique to study the microanatomical structures of the in vivo 3D vestibular membranous labyrinth. Recent two MRI methods using a contrast agent can only depict the low-resolution imaging of endolymphatic hydrops. Therefore, we provide the new precise volume rendering algorithms to create the in vivo 3D vestibular membranous labyrinth images from highresolution temporal bone low-dose CT data. We also ascertain whether the created 3D microstructure images are reliable in anatomical findings. Secondary, we will analyze the age-related changes of the vestibular membranous labyrinth. These created 3D membranous vestibular images were almost consistent with the appearance, dimensions, areas, and angles from those acquired in previous histological works. The age-related image changes showed the enlarged saccule in females, the enlarged utricle in males, and the dilated tendency of the lateral semicircular duct. These results may correlate to the findings of the previous physiological works on cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and gait studies. The age-related balance disorders may be associated with the enlargement of each membranous organ in the vestibule. This new imaging technique now enables visualizing microanatomical changes in the in vivo membranous vestibulum, and these created 3D images may suggest physiological information.

A prerequisite for the modeling and understanding of the inner ear mechanics needs the accurate created membranous labyrinth. I present a semi-automated methodology for accurate reconstruction of the membranous labyrinth in vivo from high-resolution temporal bone CT data of normal human subjects. I created the new technique which was combined with the segmentation methodology, transparent, thresholding, and opacity curve algorithms.This technique allowed the simultaneous multiple image creating without any overlapping regions in the inner ear has been developed. The reconstructed 3D images improved the membranous labyrinth geometry to realistically represent physiologic dimensions. These generated membranous structures were in good agreement with the published ones, while this approach was the most realistic in terms of the membranous labyrinth. The precise volume rendering depends on proprietary algorithms so that different results can be obtained, and the images appear qualitatively different. For each anatomical question, a different visualization technique should be used to obtain an optimal result. All scientists can create the membranous labyrinth in vivo in real time like a retinal camera. SynopsisFusion image of the membranous and the bony labyrinth.Interactive thresholding transparent volume rendering technique is the new method based on the established algorithms. This technique can create the membranous labyrinth in vivo from high-resolution temporal CT data from any scientist. The role in the precise volume rendering depended on proprietary algorithms to make 3D histology of the membranous labyrinth from a conventional temporal CT data. An intrinsic light transparency of the tissue specification must be taken into account in imaging processing using a specific curve algorithm. The 3D in vivo histology can be readily applied to study disease processes and biology of the inner ear without any harmful procedures.

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