Objectives: Perilymphatic gusher (PLG) is an uncommon complication of stapedectomy and cochlear implant placement. Computerized tomography (CT) may reveal congenital dysplasia responsible for PLG but may also be (incorrectly) interpreted as normal. The aim of this study was to review CT findings in patients with PLG reported to have normal temporal bones.
Patients: Patients in which a PLG was encountered and preoperative CT imaging had been interpreted as normal.
Intervention: Collaborative review of temporal bone computed tomography by neurotologist and neuroradiologist.
Main outcome measure: Identification of undetected inner ear anomalies that may predispose to PLG.
Results: Unanticipated PLG was encountered during stapes surgery in two patients and cochlear implantation in one. A focal bony dehiscence between the basal turn of the cochlea and internal auditory canal (IAC) was identified on a few oblique reformatted images in all patients.
Conclusions: High resolution CT with oblique image reformatting is essential to identify focal communication between the IAC and basal turn of the cochlea in ears with PLG.