Computed tomography of atresia auris congenita

Computed tomography was performed in 9 patients with atresia auris congenita. In this study, scans were done in axial or coronal projection with the CT/T body scanner. The external auditory canals were involved in varying degrees from mild narrowing to complete atresia. In partial atresia, CT scanning demonstrated the patency of the canal, and also showed the cardrum as a clearly defined soft tissue. Simulatenously, the associated middle ear anomalies were well demonstrated. One of the most common deformities of the ossicular chains was fusion of the malleus and incus. In some cases, these ossicles were dislocated, and occasionally were fixed to the atresia plate or attic wall. Other variations of the temporal bone could be assumed. We concluded that CT is the technique of choice to evaluate patients with atresia auris congenita. (author)