Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation in Pediatric Unilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Children with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (USNHL) are not actively evaluated by physicians. The diagnostic tool for evaluation of USNHL is also controversial, and no strategy for diagnosing USNHL through imaging studies has been established. We examined the results of temporal bone computed tomography (TBCT) imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies on children with USNHL. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Eighty-nine patients with USNHL were reviewed. Of these patients, 21 underwent both TBCT and MRI, 51 underwent temporal MRI only, and 17 underwent TBCT only. RESULTS: The etiology of USNHL were determined through imaging studies in 20 patients. The most common abnormal finding (65%) was a narrow internal auditory canal identified on TBCT and cochlear nerve aplasia on temporal MRI. Incomplete partition (20%), common cavity (10%), and labyrinthitis ossificans (5%) were also observed in imaging studies. The hearing threshold was lower in USNHL patients with normal findings (76.1±28.7 dB) than in USNHL patients with abnormal findings on TBCT or temporal MRI (100.1±22.3 dB). CONCLUSION: Cochlear and cochlear nerve abnormalities can be detected through imaging studies in approximately 25% of patients with USNHL. Therefore, we suggest that children should undergo TBCT when USNHL is confirmed through audiologic evaluation.

High-Resolution Computed Tomography of Cholesteatomatous Otitis Media: Significance of Preoperative lnformation

High resolution computed tomography (CT) of the middle ear and mastoid, when properly performed and interpreted, is valuable to the otologic surgeon prior to exploration of the cholesteatomatous ear. Fifty one patients with cholesteatomatous otitis media underwent CT examination of both ears one to four weeks prior to surgery. These CT findings were then compared with operation findings. We analysed sixteen parameters of the anatomical and pathological features of the temporal bone affected by cholesteatoma. In conclusion, a high degree of correct correlation was noted between CT findings and those of the operation. Our study showed the usefulness and accuracy of preoperative computed tomographic study in cholesteatomatous otitis media.