Clinical significance of incidental magnetic resonance image abnormalities in mastoid cavity and middle ear in children.

Objective: Magnetic resonance imaging of the head may reveal incidental findings in paranasal sinuses. The purpose of this study was to discover whether similar changes could be identified in the mastoid cavity and middle ear as well.

Methods: A group of 50 children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging of the head for suspected intracranial pathology were prospectively gathered. Their parents completed a questionnaire concerning each child's medical history connected with acute otitis media. Otoradiologists evaluated the pictures for mastoid cavity and middle ear and paranasal sinus abnormalities.

Results: In six (12%) children, magnetic resonance imaging detected abnormalities resembling acute inflammatory changes, although none had had acute otitis media during the preceding last 3 months. Abnormalities detected in the paranasal sinuses were not correlated with abnormalities in the mastoid cavity and middle ear.

Conclusions: High signal intensity in magnetic resonance images from the mastoid cavity and middle ear may be incidental and without any clinical significance. These findings must be interpreted together with knowledge of the child's medical condition and clinical examination of the ears.