CT CISTERNOGRAPHY IN CONGENITAL PERILYMPHATIC FISTULA OF THE INNER-EAR

Perilymphatic fistulas of the inner ear constitute abnormal leaks of p erilymphatic fluid into the middle ear or mastoid air cell system and represent a rare cause of otorrhea. We report the case of a 5-month-ol d child presenting with sudden otorrhea. High resolution CT cisternogr aphy showed a malformation of the middle ear and a passage of contrast -enhanced CSF into the tympanic cavity through the left oval window. S urgery confirmed a tear of the tympanic membrane as well as a stapes m alformation with aplasia of the crura and an associated perilymphatic fistula through a defect in the stapes footplate. The fistula was clos ed with adipose tissue from the ear lobe.