Head and Neck Imaging

Cochlear aqueduct, wide

Enlargement of the cochlear aqueduct is often mentioned in the otological literature, usually in the context of its purported association with sensorineural hearing loss, stapes gusher, and transotic cerebrospinal fluid leak. The diameter of the cochlear aqueduct medial aperture is found to be highly variable (ranging from 0 to 11 mm). In contrast, the otic capsule segment is always very narrow, never exceeding 2 mm in diameter. Radiographic cochlear aqueduct enlargement has not been convincingly reported, and may be a nonexistent malformation.

RH