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Updated: Jun 26, 2025
Author Spotlight: Optimizing EAS with Long Electrodes for Enhanced Cochlear Coverage and Hearing Preservation
Published on: October 11, 2024
Cochlear implantation for rare Streptococcus suis meningitis with hearing loss
Shanshan Jiang1,2, Xinyuan Tan1,2, Fan Shu1,2
1Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue Middle Road, Guangzhou, 510282, China.
Objectives:
This study aimed to explore the diagnostic sensitivity of 3D heavily weighted T2-weighted MRI (T2MRI) and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in patients with cochlear fibrosis associated with Streptococcus suis (S. suis) meningitis and the practicality of Cochlear implantation (CI) treatments.
Methods:
Between January 2020 and December 2022, we enrolled four patients with rare cochlear S. suis meningitis with associated hearing loss despite aggressive or non-aggressive follow-up antibiotic treatment. Clinical imaging data, surgical performances and post-surgical-electrode impedance were evaluated.
Results:
Combined with HRCT and T2MRI, the cochlea had varying degrees of fibrosis and ossification in different cases. However, the electrodes were successfully and wholly inserted after intraoperative removal of the ossified and fibrotic foci. Post-surgical electrode impedance values of MP1 + 2 mode were normal in all 4 cases at initial activation.
Conclusion:
In patients with S. suis meningitis and associated cochlear fibrosis, T2MRI examination of the inner ear was more sensitive than HRCT. This research highlights the feasibility of CI treatment in S. suis meningitis patients with severe cochlear fibrosis.
Insights
3D heavily weighted T2-weighted MRI (T2MRI) is more sensitive than high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) for diagnosing cochlear fibrosis in Streptococcus suis meningitis patients. Cochlear implantation (CI) is feasible even with severe fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Streptococcus suis (S. suis) meningitis can lead to severe hearing loss due to cochlear fibrosis.
- Accurate diagnosis of cochlear fibrosis is crucial for effective treatment planning.
- Cochlear implantation (CI) is a potential treatment for hearing loss, but its feasibility in cases of severe cochlear fibrosis requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic sensitivity of 3D heavily weighted T2-weighted MRI (T2MRI) and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) for cochlear fibrosis in S. suis meningitis.
- To evaluate the practicality and outcomes of cochlear implantation (CI) in patients with S. suis meningitis and associated cochlear fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of four patients diagnosed with S. suis meningitis and hearing loss between January 2020 and December 2022.
- Evaluation of clinical imaging data, including T2MRI and HRCT, to assess cochlear fibrosis and ossification.
- Assessment of surgical performance during cochlear implantation and post-surgical electrode impedance.
Main Results:
- Both HRCT and T2MRI revealed varying degrees of cochlear fibrosis and ossification.
- Successful and complete insertion of cochlear implant electrodes was achieved in all patients after intraoperative removal of fibrotic and ossified tissue.
- Post-surgical electrode impedance values were within normal limits at initial activation.
Conclusions:
- T2MRI demonstrated higher diagnostic sensitivity than HRCT for detecting inner ear fibrosis in S. suis meningitis.
- Cochlear implantation is a feasible treatment option for patients with S. suis meningitis complicated by severe cochlear fibrosis.
- This study underscores the importance of advanced imaging in managing hearing loss secondary to S. suis meningitis.
