Waltzman SB, Roland Jr JT, eds. Cochlear Implants. 3rd ed. Thieme; 2014; 268 pgs; 107 illustrations. $109.99
For neuroradiologists who work closely with ENT surgeons, particularly those involved in hearing restoration surgery, parts of this book may be worth reviewing. That is particularly true of Chapter 7, “Principles of Cochlear Implant Imaging”. While neither author of this chapter is a radiologist, they (Drs. Fishman and Herman-Achek) point out in this 25-page chapter the main concepts in preoperative and postoperative imaging. Added to this is a section on MRI compatibility of cochlear implants, in which concerns and questions are raised that can guide the clinician relative to ordering an MRI. Among these are the presence of removable magnets, the presence of ferromagnetic components, and the radio-opaque lettering for device identification. It is important to realize that under proper situations MRI can be safely performed and that there are FDA-approved MR-compatible implant devices.
Images shown (CT), in general, suffer somewhat from lack of high definition and a paucity of labels to point out exactly the legends are referring to. Drawings associated with the imaging and a wider window on the CTs would have helped in the display of abnormalities. The few MR images are not state-of-the-art. The technical parameters and protocols for CT of the temporal bone should have been included. Depiction of abnormalities of the inner ear are far better demonstrated in appropriate radiology textbooks; however, this chapter does allow one to read of those issues important to the ENT surgeon.
