12/9/2023 0 Comments Mri internal auditory canal![]() The cochlea is responsible for hearing, while the vestibule and SCCs are important for balance. Since prompt intervention has a positive impact on the treatment outcomes, early diagnosis of IEMs is very important in the management of deaf patients. Patients with genetic IEMs usually have bilateral and symmetrical abnormalities and are commonly affected by profound SNHL. Although IEMs may occur in isolation, around 30% of these cases are related to a specific syndrome (Table 1). Indeed the aetiology of IEM can be idiopathic, related to an inborn genetic error, or in response to exposure to a teratogenic agent. Inner ear malformations can be associated with both hereditary and nonhereditary SNHL. However, in the last two decades, MRI has been widely used to study endolymph-filled structures and the eighth cranial nerve (i.e. High-resolution CT is the preferred imaging modality for delineating the osseous anatomy and malformations of the inner ear. In particular, computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the most commonly used imaging modalities for investigating the auditory system at any level. However, the anatomy and related pathology of the auditory system necessitate the use of specific, dedicated, optimised protocols to ensure good visualisation. Imaging techniques have a long history in supporting the study of the auditory system. Inner ear malformations (IEMs) are caused by interrupted development of the ear during the first trimester of foetal development and are the principal cause of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). This article reviews the key concepts of IEMs for clinical radiologists by focusing on recent literature updates, discusses the principal imaging findings and clinical implications for every IEM subgroup, thus providing a practical diagnostic approach. However, in cases of congenital malformation of the inner ear, these techniques should be considered complementary. The most suitable technique should be selected depending on the clinical setting. Dedicated MRI and HRCT protocols play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with inner ear disease. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) are the mainstay imaging techniques in this area. Imaging techniques are important for identifying the presence and defining the type of IEM and the cochlear nerve condition. The complex anatomical landscape of the inner ear, comprising several small structures, makes imaging of this region particularly challenging for general radiologists. In the multidisciplinary management of patients with inner ear malformations (IEMs), the correct diagnosis makes the differences in terms of clinical and surgical treatment. ![]()
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