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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.
