Kohærenstomografi

Kohærenstomografi, often translated as cochlear tomography, is a radiologic imaging technique dedicated to imaging the cochlea, the spiral organ of hearing, within the inner ear. The term is used in parts of the Nordic medical literature to denote high-resolution cross-sectional imaging that yields detailed tomographic images of the osseous labyrinth and the cochlear duct. In practice, kohærenstomografi relies on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) with very thin slices or on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences to visualize both bony and soft tissue structures. CT provides excellent depiction of the cochlear capsule and labyrinthine bones, while MRI offers information about the cochlear nerve and membranous labyrinth.

Applications include assessment of congenital inner ear malformations such as cochlear aplasia or Mondini deformity, evaluation prior to cochlear implantation, and postoperative assessment after trauma or infection. It can aid in planning electrode array insertion and in diagnosing conditions like otosclerosis affecting the cochlear capsule or labyrinthine hemorrhage. Advances in 3D reconstruction allow virtual implantation planning and visualization of complex anatomy.

Limitations include exposure to ionizing radiation with CT, which must be justified, and the contraindications and artifacts associated with MRI, especially in patients with implants. The technique requires specialized equipment and expertise in interpreting inner ear anatomy. Kohærenstomografi remains one of several imaging modalities used to characterize the cochlea, often complementing standard CT and MRI protocols in otology and neurotology.