Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation in Pediatric Unilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss
10.3342/kjorl-hns.2017.00283
- Author:
Se A LEE
1
;
Sang Kuk LEE
;
Sang Woo SUN
;
Jae Hyun JUNG
;
Jong Dae LEE
;
Bo Gyung KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea. bgkim@schmc.ac.kr, ljdent@schmc.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Hearing loss;
Magnetic resonance imaging;
Sensorineural;
Temporal bone computed tomography;
Unilateral
- MeSH:
Child;
Cochlear Nerve;
Ear, Inner;
Hearing;
Hearing Loss;
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural;
Humans;
Labyrinthitis;
Magnetic Resonance Imaging;
Methods;
Temporal Bone
- From:Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
2018;61(1):9-14
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
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.
