Vascular content: arterial by the labyrinthine artery and venous with three drainage pathways (internal auditory vein, In the postero-inferior quadrant of the fundus that can be often be observed with 3T imaging. The singular nerve (or the posterior ampullary nerve) has its proper canal, We investigated the applicability of clinical inner ear MR imaging at 7T and compared the visibility of inner ear structures and nerves within the internal auditory canal with images acquired at 3T. The aim of this study was the following: 1) to investigate the feasibility of clinical inner ear imaging at 7T MR imaging, and 2) to compare the visibility of inner ear structures and nerves within the internal auditory canal with images acquired at 3T. Nervous contents: the facial nerve (the largest in size) and the cochleo-vestibular nerve that divides into the cochlear nerve and the vestibular nerve which further divides itself into the superior (innervates the utricle and the ampulla of the superior and lateral SCC),Īnd the inferior branches (innervates the saccule and the ampulla of the posterior SCC). BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In many centers, MR imaging of the inner ear and auditory pathway performed on 1.5T or 3T systems is part of the preoperative work-up of cochlear implants. Of irregular shape (modulates the passage of the VII and VIII cranial nerves). The canal (an average of 8 mm) and the fundus, Has three parts: the internal acoustic meatus (medial opening), So we do not consider necessary an exhaustive review.Īs the emphasis is on the iconographic factor,

This presentation focuses on the normal aspects of the inner ear as viewed when high field magnetic resonance studies are achieved, The medical literature needs to be revised and updated to the new findings. This state-of-the-art topic is evolving and numerous studies are currently performed. Radiologists need to be familiar with the normal appearance of the membranous labyrinth structures when performing inner ear studies (Drive and FLAIR Gd+ sequences). It lies between the middle ear and the internal acoustic meatus, which lie laterally. Study of their shape and volume is easier with high field 3 Tesla MRI volumetric acquisitions,Īnd of clinical importance in Menière’s disease. The inner ear is located within the petrous part of the temporal bone. The utricle and saccule for healthy subjects (7,8,9). The routine protocols include a Heavily T2 weighted sequence and a T1 weighted sequence with and without gadolinium enhancement.ĭelayed four hours acquisition after gadolinium intravenous injection has also proven selective enhancement of the perilymphatic spaces and thus negative outline of the endolymphatic structures, Magnetic resonance is the modality of choice when investigating the inner ear.

Internal auditory canal mri anatomy