The utricular macula: qualitative and quantitative analysis using 3-T imaging.
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.
Ash
Lorraine M
LM
Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0030, USA. lorrainemash@gmail.com
Ibrahim
Mohannad
M
Schipper
Matthew J
MJ
Mukherji
Suresh K
SK
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