Value of high-resolution MR in patients scheduled for cochlear implantation.

Objective: To determine sensitivity and specificity of high-resolution MR imaging and of high-resolution axial CT (HRCT) and to compare the two modalities in predicting the surgical and functional success of cochlear implantation.

Material And Methods: The presurgical MR images (2D T2W TSE, 3D T2*W CISS, plain and contrast-enhanced 3D T1W MP-RAGE) and axial HRCT findings of 26 patients were evaluated with regard to the predictive value concerning the success of cochlear implantation.

Results: We found a high correlation between MR and HRCT and the success of cochlear implantation. In all 26 patients, the MR-based predictions concerning the success of cochlear implantation were correct. In 10 patients, MR gave additional information to HRCT. In all patients, MR gave sufficient information about the status of the inner ear, inner auditory canal and cochlear nerve to aid the surgeon during the operation.

Conclusion: A high-resolution MR protocol consisting of coronal 2D T2W TSE, 3D T2*W axial CISS, plain and contrast-enhanced sagittal T1W 3D MP-RAGE is recommended for the evaluation of candidates scheduled for cochlear implantation. It provides information which cannot be obtained by HRCT.