ABSTRACT
To assess the role of HRCT and MR imaging in the evaluation of congenital and developmental anomalies of the inner ear and how the results could affect the management of such patients, 56 patients [43 males, 13 females, aged 7 days to 70 years] were examined by high resolution computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging between July 2000 and May 2004 for assessment of inner ear abnormalities. Eighty-five developmental and congenital inner ear lesions were detected in 67 temporal bones and were classified into three groups: Group A, lesions involving the proper inner ear structures [23 lesions in 14 temporal bones of 10 patients]; Group B, lesions involving vascular structures [58 lesions in 49 temporal bones of 43 patients]; Group C, facial nerve lesions [4 lesions in 4 temporal bones of 3 patients]. It was concluded that HRCT is the gold standard imaging modality for assessing lesions involving the osseous labyrinth of the inner ear and vascular structures while MRI significantly improves the diagnosis of lesions involving the membranous labyrinth and related cranial nerves. Both imaging modalities significantly help the otologist in treating and establishing the proper management plan for these patients