MRI + CT TEMPORAL BONES

MRI and CT imaging modalities of the temporal bones are modern imaging procedures designed to evaluate the hard and soft components of the ear (middle ear, inner ear, and the associated anatomical structures), the hearing nerves, and the adjacent regions.  

• MRI scans soft tissues, nerves, and other structures that contain fluid in them using ionizing-less radiation. 
• CT scans capture the details of bone structures, especially with fractures and other bony irregularities. 

What is MRI + CT Temporal Bones? 

MRIs uses a magnetic field and radio waves to generate strong images of soft tissues, while CT scans use X-ray to produce intricate and detailed images of bone structures through their cross sections. Both MRI and CT together do a thorough evaluation of the temporal bone area. 

Types of MRI + CT Temporal Bones 

MRI without Contrast: It is used for imaging nerves, soft tissues, and spaces that contain fluid. 

MRI With Contrast: Used to enhance the view of tumours, infections, or inflamed areas. 

CT Without Contrast: Used routinely to assess fractures and some bony abnormalities. 

CT With Contrast: Valuable in the evaluation of vascular or infectious pathologies.

• Factors Considered in MRI And CT Of the Temporal Bones ** 
• Left and right cochleae and vestibular systems of the inner ear 
• Superior and inferior auditory nerves 
• The middle ear containing tympanic membrane, malleus, incus, stapes 
• Fractured or eroded bone 
• Tumours or lesions 
• infections or changes due to inflammation 

• Unilateral hearing losses  
• Test for vertigo or dizziness  
• Neuroma tumours of the ear or other structures  
• Ear infection (chronic)s  
• Deformities of the ear (congenital)  
• After surgery of the ear (post) 

When and Who Needs to Take an MRI + CT Temporal Bones? 

Indications: 

• Sudden hearing loss or progressive hearing loss 
• Tinnitus (steady tone present in one or both ears) 
• Balance problems or vertigo 
• Acoustic neuroma or other tumours 
• Chronic infection of the ear or otosclerosis 
• Evaluation after surgery of the ear structures 
• Evaluation of fracture or trauma to the base of the skull 

Patient Demographics: 

• Children and Adults with undiagnosed hearing or balance problems 
• Chronic ear-infected patients 
• Suspected ear anomaly patients 
• Patients with previous trauma or surgery to the ear 

Benefits of Taking the Test

• Best possible representation of the soft tissues and bones from the maximum view.  
• Facilitate cancer or inflammation in an early stage.  
• Establish postop and surgical procedure surveillance.  
• Should not cause any painful procedures and take very little time. 

Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI + CT Temporal Bones

• Neuroma acoustic  
• Ear Otosclerosis  
• Mastoiditis  
• Ear Cholesteatoma  
• Fractures of the Temporal bone  
• Meniere’s disease 
• Congenital malformations 
• Middle and internal ear infection. 

• Take all metal and electrical devices off. 
• Put on relaxed, free-fitting clothes.  
• Tell the technician about implants or pregnancy.  
• If contrast is used, fasting might be needed. 

Pre-requisites 

• No existing allergies to contrast agents (if necessary).  
• Can be on pre-medications for anxious or claustrophobic patients.  
• If a kidney function test is done, it is assumed that a CT-dye is being used. 

Best Time to Take the MRI + CT Temporal Bones. 

• At the discretion of the physician.  
• Set to make certain that the patient can be attended to and ready. 

Eligibility 

• It is relatively risk-free for most patients other than those with non-MRI compatible implants. 

Procedure For Taking an MRI + CT Temporal Bones. 

• The patient is positioned horizontally on the table designed for scanning.  
• A specialized coil is put around the head (for MRI).  
• CT scan takes pictures using x-ray while an MRI scan uses magnetic field and radio waves.  
• Each of the scans takes around 15-45 mins.  
• If required, Contrasts enhance images and can be given through injection. 

Caution Before Taking the Test 

• Speak to the radiologist regarding pregnancy, kidney disorders, or implants made of metal.  
• Moving as little as possible during the scan increases image quality.