Errata Corrige

Abstract

Aspetti TC nella patologia malformativa del canale acustico esterno

L. Bartolo, G. Santoro

Servizio di Neuroradiologia, Ospedale Civile; Cosenza

SUMMARY — The EAC is a canal extending from the auricle to the tympanic membrane. It consists of an external fibrocartilaginous part and an internal bony part. It's flattened in the AP direction, 25 mm long and 6–8 mm wide.

Teratogenic agent injuries in the first trimester of pregnancy cause several malformations of the EAC which may be detected radiographically.

At this time, the radiographic examination of choice is high resolution CT. Two projections are used: sequential 2 mm axial slices using a special reconstruction program for the bony structures; coronal slices may also be helpful.

Early diagnosis of these bilateral malformations is very important because it may prevent abnormal intellectual growth and speech damage.

Howaver, treatment may begin at 6 months of age and consists in amplification or/and total communicative rehabilitation, with reconstructive surgery reserved to a later age.

The authors describe the EAC embriology and anatomy and present four groups of Frey Classification showing the most frequent findings in EAC malformations.