The Relationship of Age and Radiographic Incidence of Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence in Pediatric Patients

OBJECTIVETo determine if age affects radiographic incidence of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) in pediatric patients. STUDY DESIGNRetrospective case review. SETTINGTertiary children’s hospital. PATIENTSPatients (0–18 yr) with high-resolution computed tomography (CT) temporal bone scans from April 2001 to February 2013. INTERVENTIONSDiagnostic high-resolution CT temporal bone scans. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESFindings of dehiscent, thin, or normal SSC on CT scans (including reconstructed Poschl views). Interobserver radiographic interpretation rate between neuroradiologist and otologist. RESULTSSeven-hundred CT scans (1,400 ears) were reviewed, and 1,188 ears were acceptable for analysis. Twenty-three ears (1.9%) had dehiscent SSC, 185 ears (15.6%) had thin SSC, and 980 ears (82.5%) had normal SSC. Median ages of dehiscent, thin, and normal canals were 5, 7, and 9 years, respectively ( p < 0.05). As age increased, the incidence of dehiscent and thin SCC cases decreased; for example, dehiscent or thin canal existed in 51.4% of children less than 12 months, 17.5% of children between 1 and 2 years, 18.5% of children between 3 and 10 years, and 10.9% of children between 11 and 18 years. The κ value of agreement between neuroradiologist and otologist was 0.814, demonstrating a high value of agreement (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONRadiographic SSCD, although uncommon, appears to be more prevalent in younger children, especially infants younger than 12 months. This suggests that the SSC may develop more bony covering with age.