The prevalence and significance of incidental middle ear and mastoid cavity abnormalities on MRI in a pediatric population

SummaryObjectiveThe purposes of this study were to determine the prevalence of abnormalities in the middle ear and mastoid cavity on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children and correlate the results with clinical data, tympanometric findings and paranasal sinus changes.Materials and methodsA total of 85 consecutive pediatric patients for suspected non-inflammatory intracranial pathologies were prospectively examined. MRI was conducted for the suspected intracranial pathology. All patients were also examined by an otolaryngologist for otologic pathologies. A tympanometry examination was performed in patients prior to MRI scan.ResultsIn 23 (27.1%) of 85 (39 males, 46 females) children, MRI demonstrated middle ear and/or mastoid cavity abnormalities. MRI abnormalities of the middle ear and/or mastoid cavity were correlated with clinical data and tympanometric findings.ConclusionsIncidental abnormal signal intensities in the middle ear and/or mastoid cavity are frequent in children, especially in first years of life. MRI will demonstrate incidental middle ear and mastoid cavity abnormalities seems to have clinical significance.