Revisit to congenital anomalies of the inner ear: The spectrum of aplastic/dysplastic labyrinthine malformations (ADLM). A new concept for classification

AimThe aim of this work is to establish a new radiological classification system for the congenital anomalies of the inner ear depends on congenital gross morphological changes that occur in the bony labyrinth as seen with today’s multi-slice CT imaging technology.Material and methodsThis study was conducted on 26 congenitally deaf ear showing gross morphological changes of the bony labyrinth as seen with today multi-slice CT machines. The concept of ADLM radiological classification system depend on that both aplastic and dysplastic congenital anomalies of the bony labyrinth are linked. One or more component(s) of the labyrinth may be aplastic and other(s) may be dysplastic.ResultsThe cochlea was the most common component of bony labyrinth prone to aplasia appeared in 7 ears (26.9%) followed by semicircular canals (19.23%). The vestibule was the most common component of the bony labyrinth resistant to aplasia and on the other hand it was the most common labyrinthine component that was prone to dysplasia.ConclusionADLM is a numerical system that gives a total idea to the referring physician about the status of the bony labyrinth in a short simplified way. It could entail these anomalies with high degree of compliance.