title: Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography for diagnosing semicircular canal dehiscence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We investigated the semicircular canal (SC) dehiscence using temporal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively reviewed 114 (228 ears) consecutive MR images and CT scans of the temporal bones for dehiscence of the SCs. In the 1.5 Tesla (T) MR imaging, T1 and T2-weighted images were obtained. Dehiscence of the SCs was defined by absence of high attenuation bone coverage on the CT scans, and absence of low-signal bone margins on the MR images.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Superior SC dehiscence was detected in 4 (1.8%) ears using CT scans and 5 (2.2%) ears using MR imaging. Posterior SC dehiscence was detected in 4 (1.8%) ears using CT scans and 4 (1.8%) ears using MR imaging. In the non-dehiscent cases, there was hypointense bone coverage between the canal and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, in the cases of semicircular canal dehiscence, hypointense bone tissue did not appear between the canal and the CSF in the MR imaging.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  If there is clinical doubt about the presence of SC dehiscence, we recommend that MR imaging be conducted first. When dehiscence is not seen in the MR, a CT examination should be performed. MR imaging is preferred primarily, because it does not contain ionizing radiation.
authors.affiliation: Kirikkale University, School of Medicine, Department of Radiodiagnostics, Kirikkale, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mikail
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Inal
authors.affiliation: Kirikkale University, School of Medicine, Department of Radiodiagnostics, Kirikkale, Turkey.
authors.forename: Veysel
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Burulday
authors.affiliation: Kirikkale University, School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Kirikkale, Turkey. Electronic address: nbayarmuluk@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Nuray
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bayar Muluk
authors.affiliation: Kirikkale University, School of Medicine, Department of Radiodiagnostics, Kirikkale, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ahmet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kaya
authors.affiliation: Kirikkale University, School of Medicine, Department of Otolaryngology, Kirikkale, Turkey.
authors.forename: Gökçe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Şimşek
authors.affiliation: Kirikkale University, School of Medicine, Department of Radiodiagnostics, Kirikkale, Turkey.
authors.forename: Birsen
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ünal Daphan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012665:Semicircular Canals / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Computed tomography; Magnetic resonance imaging; Semicircular canal dehiscence