Imaging of otosclerosis

Abstract

Background Otosclerosis is an important cause of hearing loss and a widespread pathology in ENT medicine. Although a high diagnostic value of CT with impact on therapy is emphasized in the literature, the disease is seldom seen in the radiological routine diagnostics due to ENT findings often being diagnostic. Radiologists detect it rather more often in cases of unclear hearing loss or cochlear implant candidates. The findings may be very subtle. They require a target search and an optimal imaging technique. Methods This review article is based on a selective search of the literature in PubMed without any time frame restrictions as well as on the long clinical experience of the authors. Results The paper focuses on imaging aspects of otosclerosis: current role, advice for imaging technique, characteristic imaging signs, radiological differential diagnoses and findings after stapedoplasty. Pathology, clinical signs and therapeutic options are summarized briefly. Conclusions With an optimal technique and sufficient radiological experience otosclerosis can be correctly diagnosed by imaging in a high percentage of cases. Radiology plays the key role in the diagnosis of retrofenestral otosclerosis. It can provide valuable information for the management of complications after stapedotomy. Key points: Citation Format

Brazilian Society of Otology task force – Otosclerosis: evaluation and treatment

“…10 ), which may be a contraindication to surgery. 95

Figure 10 Arrow indicates otospongiosis in the area of the round window.

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A Peculiar Case of Ossicular Chain Fixation and Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct

“…These conditions cause mixed hearing loss when combined with inner-ear-derived sensorineural hearing loss, but in some cases, the progression of the abovementioned pathologies within the otic capsule, such as a chronic infection/inflammation or cholesteatoma, can cause a mixed hearing loss with a single etiology. CT can also visualize the presence of otosclerosis, characterized by osteo-rarefaction and otospongiosis at the fissula ante fenestram with frequent inner ear involvement [22].…”

Complete restoration of congenital conductive hearing loss by staged surgery: A case report

“…On temporal bone CT, it can be diagnosed as a linear image from the pyramidal eminence to the stapes superstructure[ 7 ]. Based on these findings, it can be differentiated from otosclerosis[ 16 ]. A definitive diagnosis is to directly confirm ossification of the stapedius tendon that fixes the stapes through tympanotomy.…”