Bony Cochlear Nerve Canal as a Predictor for Cochlear Nerve Status in Prelingually Deaf Children
Marija Dokoska1, Sonja Nikolova2, Gordana Kiteva-Trencevska3
11University Clinic of Ear, Nose and Throat - Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, RN Macedonia.
Summary
A narrowed bony cochlear canal (BCNC) in children with hearing loss may indicate cochlear nerve deficiency (CND). This finding on CT scans suggests the need for further MRI evaluation to confirm the cochlear nerve
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Radiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Cochlear nerve function is crucial for pediatric cochlear implant candidacy.
- The relationship between bony cochlear canal (BCNC) abnormalities and cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if BCNC width on CT scans can predict the presence of CND in pediatric hearing loss patients.
- To determine the correlation between BCNC stenosis and CND.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 11 children with prelingual severe sensorineural hearing loss undergoing cochlear implantation.
- High-resolution CT and MRI of the temporal bone were used to measure BCNC width and assess cochlear nerve status (normal, hypoplastic, aplastic).
Main Results:
- Inner ear malformations were found in 27.27% of analyzed ears.
- Cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) was identified in 4 of 22 ears, all associated with BCNC stenosis.
- Three ears with stenotic BCNC showed normal cochlear nerves on MRI.
Conclusions:
- BCNC stenosis identified on CT scans is a significant indicator of potential CND in children.
- CT BCNC measurements can aid in selecting pediatric patients who require further MRI for definitive cochlear nerve assessment.
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