Imaging case study: enlarged superior vestibular nerve canal with sensorineural hearing loss.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: We report a new temporal bone anomaly - an enlarged superior vestibular nerve canal - associated with sensorineural hearing loss. CASE REPORT A 10-month-old male infant presented with sensorineural hearing loss together with bilaterally enlarged superior vestibular nerve canals. Compared with published temporal bone computed tomography measurements, our patient's canals were normal in length but approximately double the normal width. In addition, careful review of the imaging did not clearly identify a bony wedge between the superior and inferior vestibular nerve canals. CONCLUSION: Enlarged superior vestibular nerve canal malformation may be a marker for sensorineural hearing loss. Increased vigilance amongst otologists may establish the prevalence of this anomaly and its possible effects on hearing.