Objective: To present new radiological developments using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Materials and methods: Using heavily T2-weighted sequences at a 1.5 Tesla scanner, maximum-intensity projections (MIP) of the inner ear were generated. The imaging time was less than 20 minutes, and imaging could be performed with adults and children of all age groups alike. This method enables us to visualize and identify the different neural structures of the internal auditory canal. Aplasia or schwannoma of a single or a variation of nerves could be clearly demonstrated.
Results: Three-dimensional reconstruction enabled unprecedented clear and precise presentation of the fluid content of the inner ear. The size and shape of 2 to 2 1/2 turns of the cochlea could be routinely demonstrated and analyzed in 45 subjects. Eight patients subsequently received an intracochlear implant electrode, and the intraoperative findings correlated with the imaging.
Conclusion: The most recent high-resolution MRI techniques provide reliable visualization of submillimeter anatomical structures of the inner ear and auditory nerve.