American Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Medicine and Surgery
Volume 27, Issue 3 , Pages 166-172, May 2006

Cochlear nerve size evaluation in children with sensorineural hearing loss by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging

  • Eyal E. Russo, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Otolaryngology, Texas Children Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
    • ,
  • Spiros Manolidis, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Otolaryngology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University, 180 Fort Washington, HP813, New York, NY 10032, USA. Tel.: +1 212 305 4287; fax: +1 212 305 3975.

Received 20 July 2005

Abstract 

Purpose

To determine differences in size of cochlear nerves among subjects with deafness due to connexin 26 (Cx26) mutations, subjects with deafness of unknown origin, and normal hearing subjects by sagittal high-resolution magnetic resonance (HRMR) imaging of the temporal bone.

Materials and methods

Cross-sectional and surface areas and volumetric measurements of the cochlear nerve and modiolus were made on HRMR images of the internal auditory canal (IAC) and inner ear in the 3 groups of children (groups 1, 2, and 3). Three-way comparisons of in vivo cochlear nerve measurements on HRMR imaging were made among 17 children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and no obvious etiology for the hearing loss (group 1), 7 children with profound SNHL due to a Cx26 mutation (group 2), and 10 normal hearing children (group 3).

Results

Children with profound SNHL of unknown cause and children with profound SNHL due to a connexin mutation displayed hypoplastic cochlear nerves as compared with normal controls. HRMR imaging of the temporal bone was accurately delineated potential problems with cochlear nerves in 2 of 17 instances where high-resolution computed tomography did not do so.

Conclusions

Accurate and specific measurements of the cochlear nerve and related structures is possible on HRMR imaging of the temporal bone. The size of the cochlear nerve is mildly hypoplastic in children with profound SNHL of unknown causes or children with a deafness-causing Cx26 mutation. HRMR imaging is superior to high-resolution computed tomography in the investigation of profound SNHL in children.

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S0196-0709(05)00176-6

doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2005.09.007

Refers to erratum:

  • Erratum

    American Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Medicine and Surgery March 2007 (Vol. 28, Issue 2, Page 143)

American Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Medicine and Surgery
Volume 27, Issue 3 , Pages 166-172, May 2006

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution