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Malformations of the inner auditory canal
1Instituto de Tomodensitometria, Barcelona, Spain.
Revue De Laryngologie - Otologie - Rhinologie
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Malformations of the internal auditory meatus (IAM) can present as stenosis, narrowing, atresia, or compartmentalization. Associated labyrinthine deformities may lead to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and meningitis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Malformations of the internal auditory meatus (IAM) frequently occur with other inner ear abnormalities.
- Solitary IAM deformities include stenosis, extreme narrowing, atresia, and internal bony septations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize solitary malformations of the internal auditory meatus (IAM).
- To investigate the association between IAM malformations, labyrinthine deformities, and complications such as CSF leaks and meningitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis of radiological findings.
- Review of imaging data to identify and classify IAM malformations and associated inner ear anomalies.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated solitary IAM deformities: stenosis (4 cases), extreme narrowing (2 cases), atresia (unspecified number), and internal bony walls (3 cases).
- Most solitary malformations were unilateral, diagnosable at any age with contralateral normal hearing.
- Associated labyrinthine deformities (5 cases) showed abnormal CSF communication into the tympanic cavity due to fundal IAM anomalies.
Conclusions:
- Solitary IAM malformations are diverse and can be unilateral.
- When associated with labyrinthine deformities, IAM anomalies pose a risk for CSF leaks and meningitis.