title: The utricular macula: qualitative and quantitative analysis using 3-T imaging.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify and measure the mean size of the utricular macula using 3-T imaging.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred one examinations using a 3-T magnetic resonance scanner and standard temporal bone protocol were performed over a 9-month period. Asymptomatic sides were then retrospectively evaluated using the axial T2-driven equilibrium sequence (0.3-mm slice thickness). We performed the following analyses: (1) reported frequency at which this structure could be identified and (2) calculated the mean size of the utricular macula.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The utricular macula was identified in all 101 cases as an ellipsoid area of T2 hypointensity in the utricle. The average anteroposterior x transverse x craniocaudal dimensions were 1.7 x 1.5 x 1.0 mm.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The utricular macula is consistently identified with 3-T imaging in asymptomatic patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0030, USA. lorrainemash@gmail.com
authors.forename: Lorraine M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Ash
authors.forename: Mohannad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ibrahim
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Schipper
authors.forename: Suresh K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Mukherji
mesh_terms: D008267:Acoustic Maculae / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008280:Magnetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000033:anatomy & histology