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Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
Published on: February 29, 2020
Imaging in 28 children with cochlear nerve aplasia
Marco Carner1, Liliana Colletti, Robert Shannon
1ENT Department, University of Verona, Verona, Italy. carner.marco@yahoo.it
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|March 6, 2009
Summary
Preoperative CT and MRI scans are crucial for identifying cochlear nerve issues in children with severe hearing loss. This helps determine if cochlear implants are suitable or if auditory brainstem implants are needed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Neuroimaging in Hearing Loss
- Auditory Implantation
Background:
- Congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) affects numerous children, with some showing no auditory development post-cochlear implant (CI).
- Cochlear nerve (CN) aplasia or hypoplasia is a potential cause for CI failure.
- Detailed neuroimaging is essential for evaluating suspected CN malformations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility of CT and MRI in evaluating children with severe to profound SNHL.
- To identify cochlear nerve anomalies and inner ear malformations in pediatric SNHL patients.
- To guide decisions regarding cochlear implant (CI) or auditory brainstem implant (ABI) candidacy.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-eight children with congenital SNHL underwent CT and MRI scans.
- Evaluated the cerebellopontine angle (CPA), internal auditory canal (IAC), cranial nerves, and membranous labyrinth.
- Included six children previously fitted with CIs without sound detection.
Main Results:
- CT and MRI confirmed congenital anomalies in all 28 children.
- 16 children had associated labyrinthine malformations.
- Other findings included outer, middle, and inner ear malformations, and facial nerve aplasia.
Conclusions:
- Preoperative CT and MRI are critical for assessing implant candidacy in children with severe SNHL.
- Identifying cochlear nerve malformations or aplasia necessitates re-evaluation and consideration of ABI.
- Neuroimaging aids in surgical planning for auditory implants.
