CT of postmeningitic deafness: observations and predictive value for cochlear implants in children

To demonstrate CT abnormalities encountered in children with postmeningitic deafness and to assess the value of CT in the prediction of cochlear implantation difficulties.

Thirteen children with postmeningitic deafness were evaluated with high-resolution, thin-section CT. CT findings were correlated with surgical anatomy at the time of cochlear implantation, with particular regard to the prediction of implant success.

CT findings included normal scans (3 of 13, 23.1%), cochlear stenosis (5 of 13, 37.7%), cochlear fibroossific change (1 of 13, 7.7%), cochlear ossification (4 of 13, 30.8%), and osseous hypertrophy at the round window niche (4 of 13, 30.8%). Nine of 10 patients with abnormal findings had incomplete or difficult implantations (90%); 7 (88.8%) of these 9 received limited electrode insertions.

Attention to subtle otological abnormalities on thin-section CT is helpful in the prediction of early success or failure of implantation in children with postmeningitic deafness. Those with CT abnormalities had a 90% risk of incomplete or difficult insertions with a 70% chance of limited electrode insertion.