Temporal bone CT and MRI in cochlear implant candidates [Kohlear implant adaylarinda temporal kemik BT ve MRG.]

PubMed ID: 14661290PURPOSE: Hearing can be restored by cochlear implantation in patients with sensorineural hearing loss, who have a normal seventh cranial nerve. The aim of imaging in cochlear implant candidates is to determine the etiology of the hearing loss, congenital malformations and variations that may cause difficulty during the operation, patency of the cochlea and the presence of the seventh, cranial nerve. The aim of this study is to review the literature and to discuss the imaging findings that may affect the type and success of the operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 33 cochlear implant candidates, who underwent high resolution computed tomography, were included in the study. High resolution fast spin echo T2 weighted and constructive interference in steady state sequences were performed in 23 patients with a 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance unit. RESULTS: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were normal in 16 patients. Unilateral or bilateral labyrinthine ossification was detected in 4 patients. Variations of the temporal bone, congenital malformations, sequelae of chronic otitis and trauma were detected in 13 patients. Cochlear implantation was performed in 5 patients. Operative difficulty, complications and postoperative outcome were noted in these 5 patients. CONCLUSION: High resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance images obtained by high resolution T2 weighted fast spin echo sequence and constructive interference in steady state sequence help the surgeon in planning the operation and predict potential complications in cochlear implant candidates