Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
Otoendoscopy represents the initial non-invasive diagnostic cornerstone for external and middle ear disorders. Recently, new techniques of enhanced imaging such as narrow-band imaging (NBI) have been introduced but their role as a potential aid in otological practice remains unproven. In this pictorial review, we want to present the potential application of this endoscopic method, highlight its limitations, and give some hints regarding its future implementation.
Methods
Representative cases of external and/or middle ear pathologies were selected to illustrate the role of NBI in this regard.
Results
NBI may represent a useful aid in the otological work-up, in the differential diagnosis of ear tumor-like masses, and, possibly, in the prognosis of tympanic perforations. For other ear disorders, instead, this technique does not seem to add anything to the standard clinical practice.
Conclusions
NBI might prove useful in the assessment of selected external and middle ear disorders but its role must be prospectively validated.
Funder
Università degli Studi di Firenze
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
General Medicine,Otorhinolaryngology
Cited by
1 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献