Cochlear implant: what the radiologist should know

Cochlear implant is the method of choice in the treatment of deep sensorineural hypoacusis, particularly in patients where conventional amplification devices do not imply noticeable clinical improvement. Imaging findings are crucial in the indication or contraindication for such surgical procedure. In the assessment of the temporal bone, radiologists should be familiar with relative or absolute contraindication factors, as well as with factors that might significantly complicate the implantation. Some criteria such as cochlear nerve aplasia, labyrinthine and/or cochlear aplasia are still considered as absolute contraindications, in spite of studies bringing such criteria into question. Cochlear dysplasias constitute relative contraindications, among them labyrinthitis ossificans is highlighted. Other alterations may be mentioned as complicating agents in the temporal bone assessment, namely, hypoplasia of the mastoid process, aberrant facial nerve, otomastoiditis, otosclerosis, dehiscent jugular bulb, enlarged endolymphatic duct and sac. The experienced radiologist assumes an important role in the evaluation of this condition.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Gomes,Natália Delage, Couto,Caroline Laurita Batista, Gaiotti,Juliana Oggioni, Costa,Ana Maria Doffémond, Ribeiro,Marcelo Almeida, Diniz,Renata Lopes Furletti Caldeira
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Publicação do Colégio Brasileiro de Radiologia e Diagnóstico por Imagem 2013
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0100-39842013000300163
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