Cochlear Aqueduct Post-Natal Growth: A Computed Tomography Study

• Published in: Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology 2024-09
• Main Authors: Abbas, Maha, Wang, Jing, Leboucq, Nicolas, Mondain, Michel, Blanc, Fabian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1438-7573; 1438-7573
• DOI: 10.1007/s10162-024-00963-0

The cochlear aqueduct (CA) is a bony canal located at the base of the scala tympani of the cochlea. It connects the inner ear perilymph fluid to the cerebrospinal fluid of the posterior cerebral fossa. Its function is not well understood, as it seems to be patent in only a fraction of adult patients. Indirect observations argue in favor of the CA being more patent in children. To study the CA morphology in children, we performed a retrospective single-center study of 85 high-resolution temporal bone computed tomography (hrCT) scans of children with a mean age of 3.23 ± 3.07 years (13 days of life up to 18 years), and compared them with a group of 22 adult hrCT (mean age of 24.01 ± 3.58 years). The CA morphology measurements included its total length, its funnel (wider intracranial portion) length and width and its type (indicating its radiological patency), according to a previously published classification. The dimensions of the CA were significantly smaller in children compared with adults for the axial length (10.37 ± 2.58 versus 14.63 ± 2.40 mm, respectively, p