High prevalence of abnormalities on CT and MR imaging in children with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss irrespective of age or degree of hearing loss.

Evaluation of causal abnormalities identified on CT and MR imaging in children with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (USNHL), and the association with age and severity of hearing loss. Retrospective cohort study. Tertiary referral otology/audiology center. 102 children diagnosed with USNHL between 2006 and 2016 were included. They underwent CT and/or MR imaging for the evaluation of the etiology of their hearing loss. Radiologic abnormalities of the inner ear and brain associated with USNHL. Using CT and/or MR imaging, causal abnormalities were identified in 49%, which is higher than previously reported (25-40%). The most frequently affected site was the labyrinth (29%), followed by the cochlear nerve (9%) and brain (7%). No significant difference in the number or type of abnormalities was found for the degree of hearing loss or age categories. Imaging is essential in the etiologic analysis of USNHL because of the high prevalence of causative abnormalities that can be identified with radiology, irrespective of the patients' age or degree of hearing loss. CT and MR imaging are complementary imaging options. The ideal imaging algorithm is controversial. Based on our findings, we conclude that there is limited additional diagnostic value of simultaneous dual modality imaging over sequential diagnostics. We therefore perform a stepwise radiological workup in order to maximize the diagnostic yield while minimizing impact and costs. If the primary imaging modality does not identify a cause for USNHL, performing the alternative imaging modality should be considered. Retrospective cohort study 2b.

van Beeck Calkoen EA ，Sanchez Aliaga E ，Merkus P ，Smit CF ，van de Kamp JM ，Mulder MF ，Goverts ST ，Hensen EF ... -  《-》

Evaluation of the outcome of CT and MR imaging in pediatric patients with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

To evaluate the clinically relevant abnormalities as visualized on CT and MR imaging in children with symmetric and asymmetric bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), in relation to age and the severity of hearing loss. Retrospective cohort study. Tertiary referral otology and audiology center. From January 2006 until January 2016, a total of 207 children diagnosed with symmetric and asymmetric bilateral SNHL were included. They underwent CT and/or MR imaging for the evaluation of the etiology of their hearing loss. Radiologic abnormalities associated with SNHL. 302 scans were performed in 207 children (median age of 0.8 years old) with bilateral SNHL. The most frequently identified cause of bilateral SNHL was a malformation of the labyrinth. The combined diagnostic yield of CT and MR imaging was 32%. The diagnostic yield of MR (34%) was considerably higher than that of CT (20%). We found a higher rate of abnormalities in children with profound hearing loss (41%) compared to milder hearing loss (8-29%), and in asymmetric SNHL (52%) compared to symmetric SNHL (30%). Imaging is essential in the etiologic evaluation of children with bilateral SNHL. The highest diagnostic yield is found in children with bilateral asymmetric SNHL or profound SNHL. Based on our findings, MR is the primary imaging modality of choice in the etiological evaluation of children with bilateral SNHL because of its high diagnostic yield.

van Beeck Calkoen EA ，Merkus P ，Goverts ST ，van de Kamp JM ，Mulder MF ，Sanchez Aliaga E ，Hensen EF ... -  《-》

Evaluating diagnostic yield of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in pediatric unilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

Options for imaging for evaluation of pediatric patients with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (USNHL) include computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although both CT and MR imaging provide valuable information in the evaluation of pediatric patients with USNHL, debate remains regarding which imaging modality is most ideal and should be the preferred study for these children. The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the diagnostic yield of CT versus MRI in children with USNHL. A multi-institutional retrospective chart review was conducted. Pediatric patients with hearing loss (diagnosis codes 389.00-389.22) seen between 2010 and 2012 at three tertiary care centers were identified. Only patients with USNHL and imaging studies were reviewed and results of CT and MRI for each patient were examined and compared. Cochleovestibular or central nervous system findings known to directly correlate to SNHL were noted as positive findings on imaging. McNemar's test was used to compare patients with positive CT and MRI results. A total of 219 patients between the ages of 0-18 years with USNHL who underwent CT and/or MRI were identified. Imaging abnormalities were found in 41/96 patients who underwent MRI with overall diagnostic yield of 42.7% and 69 of 188 patients who underwent CT with overall diagnostic yield of 36.7%. For patients who underwent both imaging modalities (n = 65), there was no statistically significant difference in positive findings detected by CT vs MRI (p > 0.05). Both CT and MR imaging have similar overall diagnostic yield when used to evaluate children with USNHL. Parents and patients should be counseled regarding cost, test duration, radiation exposure, need for sedation, and diagnostic accuracy associated with each imaging modality and these factors should be considered to select the appropriate diagnostic study.

Shah J ，Pham GN ，Zhang J ，Pakanati K ，Raol N ，Ongkasuwan J ，Hopkins B ，Anne S ... -  《-》

Assessment of the Clinical Benefit of Imaging in Children With Unilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Ropers FG ，Pham ENB ，Kant SG ，Rotteveel LJC ，Rings EHHM ，Verbist BM ，Dekkers OM ... -  《-》

Unilateral sensorineural hearing loss in children: the importance of temporal bone computed tomography and audiometric follow-up.

Song JJ ，Choi HG ，Oh SH ，Chang SO ，Kim CS ，Lee JH ... -  《-》