The Prevalence of Cochlear Obliteration After Labyrinthectomy Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Implications for Cochlear Implantation.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of cochlear obliteration after labyrinthectomy.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective review of medical records.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS: Sixty-five patients who had previously undergone resection of an acoustic neuroma through a translabyrinthine approach.

INTERVENTION: The magnetic resonance studies were analyzed as part of the routine surveillance after tumor resection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: To determine whether the cochlear lumen remained fluid filled.

RESULTS

Sixty-five cochleas were examined. Forty-four cochleas were patent and, of the remaining 21, 9 were obliterated and 12 were partially obliterated. The average length of follow-up for the patent, partially obliterated, and obliterated cochlea groups was 47, 29, and 77 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Obliteration of the cochlea, either partially or completely, occurs in approximately one-third of patients. Time elapsed after labyrinthectomy did not seem to be a predictor of cochlear obliteration.