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Localized pericochlear hypoattenuating foci at temporal-bone thin-section CT in pediatric patients: nonpathologic
Johanna Pekkola1, Anne Pitkaranta, Alexandra Jappel
1Departments of Radiology and Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 4, POB 340, FIN-00029 HUS, Finland. johanna.pekkola@hus.fi
Radiology
|November 18, 2003
Summary
Localized hypoattenuating areas in the otic capsule are common in children under 3 years old. These CT findings in pediatric patients are not typically linked to otosclerosis or osteogenesis imperfecta.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pediatric Imaging
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Hypoattenuating areas in the otic capsule can be indicative of inner ear pathology.
- Thin-section computed tomography (CT) is crucial for evaluating the fine structures of the temporal bone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of localized hypoattenuating areas in the cochlear otic capsule in pediatric patients using thin-section CT.
- To correlate these CT findings with available clinical information.
Main Methods:
- Temporal-bone thin-section CT scans of 73 pediatric patients (aged 0-9 years) were reviewed.
- The presence of hypoattenuating foci in the fissula ante fenestram region was assessed.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the data, considering age, sex, and nationality.
Main Results:
- Hypoattenuating areas were found in 32% of pediatric patients.
- These areas were significantly more common in children younger than 3 years (OR=0.14, P=.001).
- Prevalence did not vary by sex or clinical diagnosis, and was higher in Finnish patients compared to Austrian patients (OR=5.4, P=.02).
Conclusions:
- Localized hypoattenuating areas in the otic capsule are prevalent in young children (under 3 years) on thin-section CT.
- These findings can be present up to age 9, often without clinical signs of otosclerosis or osteogenesis imperfecta.
- Age is a significant factor in the prevalence of these CT findings.