[A comparison between findings of high resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the preoperative assessment of cochlear implant patients].
OBJECTIVE
We compared the preoperative findings of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with those observed during surgery to determine their value for cochlear implant patients.


METHODS
A retrospective assessment was made on preoperative HRCT and MRI scans of 124 cochlear implant patients (71 males, 53 females; mean age 15 years; range 2 to 63 years). Congenital cochlear anomalies, cochlear ossification, new bone formation in the middle ear, and structures in the internal auditory canal were evaluated and compared with intraoperative findings.


RESULTS
Cochlear anomalies detected in five patients by HRCT and MRI were confirmed intraoperatively. Cochlear ossification encountered in six patients during surgery was only demonstrated in four patients; HRCT and MRI scans only showed a narrow basal turn in the remaining two patients. During surgery, eight patients were found to have cochlear fibrosis: this finding was documented in five patients (62.5%) by MRI, and in none by HRCT scans.


CONCLUSIONS
Although HRCT provides valuable information for surgical planning, its limitations may justify the additional use of MRI before cochlear implantation.
Department of Otolaryngology (2nd), SSK Ankara Training Hospital, Turkey. armaganincesulu@yahoo.com
Armağan
A
Incesulu
Sinan
S
Kocatürk
Bahri
B
Keyik
Esin
E
Cakmakçi
Unsal
U
Erkam
Baki
B
Hekimoğlu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015834:Cochlear Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000592:standards*