Abstract
Purpose.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in characterising cochlear nerve anomalies in auditory brainstem implant candidates with congenital hearing loss.
Materials and methods
Seventeen patients affected by congenital sensorineural hearing loss were examined by CT and MRI. Inner ear malformations eligible for auditory brainstem implants were classified according to the Casselman classification. All patients subsequently received auditory brainstem implants.
Results.
Suspected congenital anomalies were confirmed by CT and MRI in all 17 patients. There were 5/17 bilateral cochlear nerve aplasias and 12/17 cochleovestibular anomalies. Of these, 5/12 patients had a common cochleovestibular cavity, 2/12 had bilateral cochlear aplasia and cochlear nerve agenesis, 1/12 had type I incomplete partition, 2/12 had type II incomplete partition and 2/12 had cochlear hypoplasia.
Conclusions.
Preoperative CT and MRI assessment of patients with sensorineural hearing loss is reliable. MRI provided additional information, identifying the possible absence of cochlear nerve and excluding other central nervous system (CNS) diseases.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cerini, R., Faccioli, N., Cicconi, D. et al. Role of CT and MRI in the preoperative evaluation of auditory brainstem implantation in patients with congenital inner ear pathology. Radiol med 111, 978–988 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-006-0096-2
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11547-006-0096-2