High-resolution CT of the temporal bone in dysplasia of the auricle and external auditory canal

• Published in: American journal of neuroradiology : AJNR Vol. 18; no. 1; pp. 53 - 65
• Main Authors: Mayer, TE, Brueckmann, H, Siegert, R, Witt, A, Weerda, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oak Brook, IL Am Soc Neuroradiology 01.01.1997; American Society of Neuroradiology
• Subjects: Abnormalities, Multiple - diagnostic imaging; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Ear Canal - abnormalities; Ear Canal - diagnostic imaging; Ear Ossicles - abnormalities; Ear Ossicles - diagnostic imaging; Ear, auditive nerve, cochleovestibular tract, facial nerve: diseases, semeiology; Ear, External - abnormalities; Ear, External - diagnostic imaging; Ear, Inner - abnormalities; Ear, Inner - diagnostic imaging; Ear, Middle - abnormalities; Ear, Middle - diagnostic imaging; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted - instrumentation; Medical sciences; Non tumoral diseases; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Radiographic Image Enhancement - instrumentation; Temporal Bone - diagnostic imaging; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - instrumentation; Human; Dysplasia; Temporal bone; Radiodiagnosis; Malformation; Ear disease; External auditory canal; Medical imagery; ENT disease; Exploration; Computerized axial tomography
• ISSN: 0195-6108; 1936-959X

To determine CT findings in the external, middle, and inner ear of patients with microtia and external auditory canal dysplasia. We used high-resolution CT, with multiplanar or axial 1-mm continuous sections, coronal or sagittal reformations, or low-dose spiral acquisitions, to examine 184 temporal bones of children with microtia. In cases of minor microtia, auditory canal stenosis was the most common associated abnormality; in those with major microtia, atresia was predominant. Middle ear malformations depended on the severity of the auricular anomalies. Inner ear changes could also be noted. Ossicle dysplasias occurred in 98% of patients (stapes, 72%), absence of the oval window in 36%, labyrinthine malformations in 13%, closed round window in 6%, facial canal displacement in up to 75%, and aberrations of the vascular canal in 38% of patients with third-grade auricular deformity. A variety of external, middle, and, less frequently, inner ear changes were detected in connection with microtia.