Visualization of normal cochlear acqueduct by high-resolution computed tomography

We investigated high-resolution computed tomographic appearance of normal cochlear acqueduct in 74 cases (81 temporal bones). The average diameter of external aperture of cochlear acqueduct was 4.1 mm. Statistically significant difference in the diameter of external aperture of cochlear acqueduct was not found in age. The entire course of cochlear acqueduct from external aperture to the basal turn of cochlea was visualized in 38 %. It is said that wide cochlear acqueduct may be patent. It is important to evaluate the size of cochlear acqueduct especially before stapes operations. (author)