Magnetic resonance imaging of otitis media in a dog

Otitis media/interna was diagnosed in a 20-month-old German shepherd with t he assistance of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The MR images were acquir ed primarily to exclude a brain lesion responsible for vestibular signs. No brain lesion was detected, but obvious signs of chronic changes in the lef t bulla and external ear canal were confirmed. Thickening of the epithelium and soft tissue surrounding the external ear canal and a laminated appeara nce of high and low T2 intensities in the tympanic bulla's mucosa were pres ent. The hypointense lines were suspected to be fibrous tissue, indicating chronic changes. This report suggests that MR imaging may serve as a useful imaging tool for otitis media and that it supplies information not obtaine d with radiography or computed tomography.