MRI + CT TEMPORAL BONES
Also Known As
SENIOR
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FAMILY
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
6hrs
Measures
No description available
Identifies
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About The Test
Why Combined MRI + CT for Temporal Bone Imaging
The temporal bone houses the ear, balance organs, and critical nerves. CT excels at bone detail, while MRI reveals soft-tissue contrast. By pairing both, Cadabams Diagnostics creates a 360° map of the ear and skull base in one visit—eliminating the need for repeat scans.
How Cadabams Diagnostics Delivers 360° Ear & Skull-Base Evaluation
- 3T MRI with ultra-thin 0.5 mm slices
- 128-slice CT for sub-millimetre bone resolution
- Same-day appointments and radiologist review
- ENT & neurologist-ready reports within 60 minutes
List of Parameters
Parameter | Normal Range | Why It Matters |
---|---|---|
Cochlear height | 4 – 5 mm | Malformations cause hearing loss |
IAC diameter | 4 – 8 mm | Narrow canal → nerve compression |
Ossicular alignment | <1 mm gap | Dislocation causes conductive loss |
Vestibular aqueduct | <1.5 mm | Enlarged → vertigo risk |
Facial nerve canal | Intact bony wall | Dehiscence → facial weakness |
Why This Test
- Unexplained hearing loss or vertigo
- Suspected cholesteatoma or otosclerosis
- Pre-cochlear implant assessment
- Head trauma with ear bleeding or CSF leak
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- Unmatched bone detail from CT for surgical planning
- Superior soft-tissue contrast from MRI to spot 2 mm tumours
- One-stop diagnosis—ENT receives both datasets on the same portal
- Reduced repeat visits and faster treatment decisions
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI + CT Temporal Bones
Condition | CT Finding | MRI Finding |
---|---|---|
Meniere’s disease | Normal bone | Endolymphatic hydrops |
Acoustic neuroma | Normal bone | IAC enhancing mass |
Labyrinthitis | Ossicular erosion | Membrane enhancement |
Temporal bone fracture | Air-fluid levels | Nerve contusion |
Congenital malformations | Hypoplastic cochlea | Aplasia of vestibule |
Preparing for test
Instructions
- Fasting: 2 hours if contrast is planned.
- Clothing: Metal-free; gowns provided.
- Metal screening: Remove jewellery, credit cards.
Prerequisites
- Recent audiogram (<6 weeks).
- ENT referral note with clinical question.
Eligibility Check
- Pregnancy test for women of child-bearing age.
- Pacemaker or implant card verification.
Procedure Steps
- Check-in with ID and prescription.
- Positioning on back; head stabilised.
- Scan time: 5 min CT + 25 min MRI.
Caution Before the Test
- Report contrast allergy or kidney disease.
- Inform staff about claustrophobia for sedation options.
Test Results
Results and Interpretations of MRI and CT of Temporal Bones
Finding/Observation Category | Example Specific Finding (MRI or CT) | General Interpretation / Significance (Illustrative) |
---|---|---|
Internal Auditory Canal (IAC) | Enhancing mass within right IAC (MRI) | Suggestive of vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma). Assess size, IAC widening, and cerebellopontine angle extension. |
Cochlear height | 4 – 5 mm | <3 mm = Michel’s deformity |
Middle Ear / Mastoid | Opacification with bone erosion in epitympanum (CT) | Highly suggestive of cholesteatoma. MRI with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can confirm. |
IAC width | 4 – 8 mm | <3 mm → hearing nerve aplasia |
Ossicular gap | <1 mm | >1 mm = dislocation |
Facial nerve canal | Intact | Dehiscence → surgery risk |
Bony Labyrinth | Spongiotic/demineralization changes near oval window or cochlea (CT) | Characteristic of fenestral otosclerosis. Often correlates with progressive conductive hearing loss. |
Temporal Bone | Fracture line through petrous bone involving otic capsule (CT) | Indicates temporal bone trauma; risk of sensorineural hearing loss or CSF leak. |
Vascular Structures | Enhancing mass at jugular foramen (CT/MRI with contrast) | Suggestive of glomus jugulare tumor (paraganglioma). Can cause cranial nerve deficits. |
Vestibule diameter | 3 – 4 mm | Enlarged → vertigo |
Facial Nerve | Diffuse enhancement along facial nerve course (MRI) | Seen in Bell's palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, or other neuritis |
Facial Nerve | Focal nodular enhancement along nerve course (MRI) | May represent a facial nerve schwannoma. |
No Abnormality Detected | Normal appearance of temporal bone structures (CT/MRI) | No imaging evidence of pathology; correlate clinically if symptoms persist. |
Risks & Limitations
Radiation Exposure (CT)
- Effective dose: ~0.5 mSv (equal to 1 month of natural background).
- Cadabams uses low-dose protocols for children and follow-ups.
MRI Safety Contra-indications
- Absolute: Pacemaker, cochlear implant, metallic eye injury.
- Relative: Claustrophobia—open MRI or mild sedation is available.
Cost and Time Considerations
- Dual scan: ₹9,500 – ₹12,000 (varies by contrast use).
- Total visit time: 45 minutes from arrival to discharge.
FAQs
Is the combined scan safe for children?
Yes. CT dose is adjusted (0.3 mSv) and MRI uses child coils.
Can I drive home after contrast injection?
Yes, unless you received sedation; bring a companion if unsure.
How soon will I get the report?
Reports are uploaded to your Cadabams portal within 60 minutes.
Does insurance cover both scans?
Most policies cover diagnostic CT + MRI—check with our TPA desk.
What if the MRI and CT findings conflict?
A dual-trained neuroradiologist at Cadabams reconciles both datasets for a single, evidence-based impression.
What is the approximate cost of an MRI with CT for temporal bones?
The cost of temporal bone mri with ct can vary significantly based on several factors: whether MRI, CT, or both are performed, if contrast material is used, the specific protocols involved, your geographic location, the specific Cadabams Diagnostics facility, and your health insurance coverage. It is best to inquire directly with Cadabams Diagnostics billing department or contact your insurance provider for detailed information on costs and coverage before your scan.