Internal Auditory Canal Diverticula in Children: A Congenital Variant.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Internal auditory diverticula in adults have been found to exist independent of otosclerosis, and in the presence of otosclerosis. We sought to determine the prevalence of internal auditory canal (IAC) diverticula in a pediatric cohort, to assess whether IAC diverticula are a risk factor for hearing loss, and the co-occurrence of otic capsule hypoattenuation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: A single-site retrospective review of high-resolution temporal bones computed tomography (CT) scans including the presence and size of diverticula and hypoattenuation of the otic capsule. Demographic, imaging, and audiometric data were collected and descriptively analyzed. Bivariate analysis of collected variables was conducted. Comparisons between sides in unilateral cases were also performed. RESULTS: 16/600 (2.7%; 95% CI [2.0%, 3.4%]) were found to have IAC diverticula. Six were bilateral. Thirty-one patients (5.2%) were found to have hypoattenuation of the otic capsule. There were no coincident cases of IAC diverticulum and hypoattenuation of the otic capsule. There was no association between the presence of IAC diverticula and age (P = .13). In six patients with unilateral diverticula, pure tone average (P = .42), and word recognition (P = .27) scores were not significantly different when compared to the normal, contralateral side. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of IAC diverticula in children is lower than the prevalence in adults. IAC diverticula in children likely represent congenital variants of temporal bone anatomy. Similar to adult populations, there is evidence that IAC diverticula in children are likely not an independent risk factor for hearing loss. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1683-E1687, 2021.

Predictors of Success on the ABR Core Examination.

INTRODUCTION: The ABR Core Examination tests the comprehensive radiology curriculum. On first attempt, 10% of radiology residents fail. This study investigates factors that predict success or failure on the examination. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to all accredited residency programs in diagnostic radiology. Residents who had recently taken the examination answered questions regarding demographics, program, preparation, learning methods, and examination results. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: The study survey was completed by 273 residents. One-tenth of respondents failed or conditionally passed the examination. Residents were more likely to pass the examination if they had trained at an academic program, scored higher on the US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 and Step 2, achieved higher in-training examination percentile score, completed more practice questions, practiced with both oral and multiple-choice practice questions, and slept longer per night (P < .05 for all). Success was not associated with utilization of specific study resources or protected study time. Lower total number of months spent studying and lower total number of call-containing weeks before the examination were protective factors on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Prior performance on standardized examinations predicts success. Training at an academic institution confers an advantage in performance. The ACR In-Training Examination is an appropriate readiness preparation tool. No specific preparation material or resource can guarantee success. Short-duration, high-quality studying is the most effective method of preparation.