Objective: To determine if age affects radiographic incidence of superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD) in pediatric patients.
Study design: Retrospective case review.
Setting: Tertiary children's hospital.
Patients: Patients (0-18 yr) with high-resolution computed tomography (CT) temporal bone scans from April 2001 to February 2013.
Interventions: Diagnostic high-resolution CT temporal bone scans.
Main outcome measures: Findings of dehiscent, thin, or normal SSC on CT scans (including reconstructed Poschl views). Interobserver radiographic interpretation rate between neuroradiologist and otologist.
Results: Seven-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).
Conclusion: Radiographic 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.