Application of MRI in cochlear-implanted patients

To date, MR imaging is absolutely contraindicated in cochlear-implanted pat ients. The aim of this study is to document the potential value of MR imagi ng in such patients, without injurious or side effects and without technica l device failure. After in vitro experimental testing, 25 cochlear implante d patients underwent MRI. Radiological evaluation was also possible. The us e of 1-Tesla fast spin echo sequences minimised artifacts. All cochlear imp lants are still in working order; no changes in fitting data or a reduction in speech understanding were observed. MR helped to avoid other invasive m edical procedures.