CONGENITAL OSSIFICATION OF THE STAPEDIUS TENDON - DIAGNOSIS WITH CT

PURPOSE: To describe the features of congenital ossification of the st apedius tendon at thin-section computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thin-section CT scans, clinical records, and surgical findin gs were retrospectively evaluated in nine ears of five patients with s urgically proved congenital ossification of the stapedius tendon. Thin -section CT scans of 50 control ears were also reviewed. RESULTS: On t hin-section CT scans, a linear area of soft-tissue attenuation was dem onstrated between the monopod stapes and the pyramidal eminence (nine ears), as well as thickening of the stapes footplate (two ears). In th e 50 control ears, the normal stapes tendon was not clearly seen on th in-section CT scans. CONCLUSION: At CT, a linear area of soft-tissue a ttenuation that extends from the pyramidal eminence to the monopod sta pes is suggestive of congenital ossification of the stapedius tendon o r a bony bar adjacent to it.