scholarly journals Imaging of inner ear malformations: a primer for radiologists

Author(s):  
Paola Feraco ◽  
Silvia Piccinini ◽  
Cesare Gagliardo

AbstractIn the multidisciplinary management of patients with inner ear malformations (IEMs), the correct diagnosis makes the differences in terms of clinical and surgical treatment. The complex anatomical landscape of the inner ear, comprising several small structures, makes imaging of this region particularly challenging for general radiologists. Imaging techniques are important for identifying the presence and defining the type of IEM and the cochlear nerve condition. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) are the mainstay imaging techniques in this area. Dedicated MRI and HRCT protocols play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with inner ear disease. The most suitable technique should be selected depending on the clinical setting. However, in cases of congenital malformation of the inner ear, these techniques should be considered complementary. Since prompt intervention has a positive impact on the treatment outcomes, early diagnosis of IEMs is very important in the management of deaf patients. This article reviews the key concepts of IEMs for clinical radiologists by focusing on recent literature updates, discusses the principal imaging findings and clinical implications for every IEM subgroup, thus providing a practical diagnostic approach.

2003 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 411-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Calzolari ◽  
E. Sarti ◽  
A. Sensi ◽  
G. Garani ◽  
L. Clauser ◽  
...  

The aim of this study is to describe external, middle and inner ear malformations in children with congenital craniofacial abnormalities. Seventeen patients with craniofacial and external ear anomalies, aged between 12 days and 15 years (mean 3.4 years), were studied. The majority of children had conductive hearing loss. High-resolution CT of the petrous bone was performed in all cases; in 9 cases three-dimensional reconstructions were done. For each child CT findings of external, middle, inner ear, facial nerve and skull base were analysed. Ear malformations have been correlated with anomalies of the auricle. The most serious auricular anomalies were more frequently associated with external auditory canal atresia, dysplasia of the tympanic cavity and malleo-incudal joint and aberration of the mastoid segment of the facial nerve. These anomalies are probably related through a common embryological origin. Inner ear malformations were diagnosed more rarely, but we emphasize that these malformations are more frequent in “syndromic” forms with craniofacial abnormalities rather than in isolated anomalies of the auricle; it is very important because inner ear abnormalities are considered a contraindication to functional surgery in patients with atresia. Diagnostic imaging is useful for an early and complete characterization of the craniofacial and ear malformations; a precise analysis of the ear abnormalities is necessary to give an indication for the eventual audiological treatment. High-resolution CT is the method of choice for the analysis of the external and middle ear; CT and MR should be integrated for the study of the inner ear and facial nerve. CT and MR are helpful to determine the extent of craniofacial abnormalities; MR should be done when encephalic malformations are suspected. Finally, three-dimensional CT is useful for the maxillofacial surgeon to plan surgical treatment.


2018 ◽  
Vol 137 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 459-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Schrauwen ◽  
Elina Kari ◽  
Jacob Mattox ◽  
Lorida Llaci ◽  
Joanna Smeeton ◽  
...  

2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 331-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Levent Sennaroğlu ◽  
Gamze Atay ◽  
Münir Demir Bajin

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 232-237
Author(s):  
Peter Bako ◽  
Adrienn Nemeth ◽  
Krisztian Molnar ◽  
Tamas Toth ◽  
Kinga Harmat ◽  
...  

2011 ◽  
Vol 269 (6) ◽  
pp. 1583-1587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Sainz ◽  
Juan Garcia-Valdecasas ◽  
Elena Fernandez ◽  
Maria Teresa Pascual ◽  
Olga Roda

2016 ◽  
Vol 131 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
F B Palabiyik ◽  
K Hacikurt ◽  
Z Yazici

AbstractBackground:Pre-operative radiological identification of facial nerve anomalies can help prevent intra-operative facial nerve injury during cochlear implantation. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence and configuration of facial nerve anomalies and their concurrence with inner-ear anomalies in cochlear implant candidates.Methods:Inner-ear and concomitant facial nerve anomalies were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging and temporal high-resolution computed tomography in 48 children with congenital sensorineural hearing loss who were cochlear implant candidates.Results:Inner-ear anomalies were present in 11 out of 48 patients (23 per cent) and concomitant facial nerve anomalies were present on 7 sides in 4 patients (7 per cent of the total). Facial nerve anomalies were accompanied by cochlear or vestibular malformation.Conclusion:Potential facial nerve abnormalities should always be considered in patients with inner-ear anomalies. Pre-operative facial nerve imaging can increase the surgeon's confidence to plan and perform cochlear implantation. Magnetic resonance imaging should be used to detect inner-ear anomalies; if these are identified, temporal high-resolution computed tomography should be used to evaluate the facial nerve.


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 220-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Şule Kaya ◽  
Betül Çiçek Çınar ◽  
Merve Özbal Batuk ◽  
Burçe Özgen ◽  
Gonca Sennaroğlu ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (7) ◽  
pp. 610-622
Author(s):  
R Gautam ◽  
J Kumar ◽  
G S Pradhan ◽  
J C Passey ◽  
R Meher ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveTo depict various temporal bone abnormalities on high-resolution computed tomography in congenital aural atresia patients, and correlate these findings with auditory function test results and microtia subgroup.MethodsForty patients (56 ears) with congenital malformation of the auricle and/or external auditory canal were evaluated. Auricles were graded according to Marx's classification, divided into subgroups of minor (grades I and II) and major (III and IV) microtia. Other associated anomalies of the external auditory canal, tympanic cavity, ossicular status, oval and round windows, facial nerve, and inner ear were evaluated.ResultsMinor and major microtia were observed in 53.6 and 46.4 per cent of ears respectively. Mean hearing levels were 62.47 and 62.37 dB respectively (p = 0.98). The malleus was the most commonly dysplastic ossicle (73.3 vs 80.8 per cent of ears respectively, p = 0.53). Facial nerve (mastoid segment) abnormalities were associated (p = 0.04) with microtia subgroup (80 vs 100 per cent in minor vs major subgroups).ConclusionMicrotia grade was not significantly associated with mean hearing levels or other ear malformations, except for external auditory canal and facial nerve (mastoid segment) anomalies. High-resolution computed tomography is essential in congenital aural atresia, before management strategy is decided.


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