title: MRI Artifacts and Cochlear Implant Positioning at 3 T In Vivo.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the assessment of the internal auditory canal and the labyrinth in relation to different CI magnet positions and MRI sequences at 3 T.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The indication criteria for cochlear implantation have been changed over the years and the growing number of implantations in patients after acoustic neuroma resections underline the importance of a postoperative MR imaging to assess the internal auditory canal (IAC) and the labyrinth. The MRI artifact induced by the cochlear implant magnet is a known problem that should be further observed by this investigation.
  
  
  METHODS
  We compared the artifacts of Cochlear 512 magnets at different head positions in vivo at 3 T. The observed positions varied with a nasion-external ear canal angle of 90, 120, and 160 degrees and a variable distance of 5, 7, and 9 cm in relation to the external ear canal and different MRI sequences.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The complete assessment of the internal auditory canal and labyrinth was possible with a magnet positioned at 90 degrees and 9 cm and 160 degrees and 9 cm. Evaluation of the IAC alone was possible with magnet positions at 90 degrees and 7 cm and 9 cm, 120 degrees and 9 cm, and 160 degrees and 7 cm and 9 cm. A high-resolution 3D T2w Drive sequence decreased the visibility of the structures significantly. A high-resolution TSE 2D T2w sequence together with one of the above-described positions allowed sufficient visualization of the structures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The position of the implant and the MRI sequence used determine the assessment of the IAC and the labyrinth at 3 T MRI. A position of the implant magnet at a nasion-external auditory canal angle which is more horizontal and posterior than so far commonly used allows a better visualization of the IAC and the labyrinth at 3 T.
authors: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
authors: Ingo
authors: I
authors: Todt
authors: Grit
authors: G
authors: Rademacher
authors: Philipp
authors: P
authors: Mittmann
authors: Jan
authors: J
authors: Wagner
authors: Sven
authors: S
authors: Mutze
authors: Arne
authors: A
authors: Ernst
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D016477:Artifacts; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000379:methods; D003054:Cochlear Implants; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D059346:Magnets; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000473:pathology*; D056888:Patient Positioning