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Cerumen impaction shown by brain magnetic resonance imaging in patients with cognitive impairment
Author(s) -
Nakashima Tsutomu,
Sugiura Saiko,
Naganawa Shinji,
Yasue Minori,
Inui Yoshitaka,
Sakurai Takashi,
Uchida Yasue,
Sone Michihiko,
Teranishi Masaaki,
Yoshida Tadao,
Ito Kengo,
Toba Kenji
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
geriatrics and gerontology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.823
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1447-0594
pISSN - 1444-1586
DOI - 10.1111/ggi.12529
Subject(s) - impaction , medicine , magnetic resonance imaging , radiology , dentistry
Aim Hearing loss is a risk factor for the progression of dementia. Cognitive improvement is occasionally found after removal of cerumen impaction. Because patients with dementia do not usually complain about cerumen impaction, detection methods are important. The present study aimed to investigate whether cerumen impaction is observable using brain magnetic resonance imaging. Methods Participants were six patients whose hearing level improved 15 dB or more unilaterally or bilaterally after the removal of cerumen impaction. A radiologist who was blind to the impaction side and whether magnetic resonance imaging scans were taken before or after impaction removal classified cerumen impaction as positive, negative or unclear. Results Three ears classified as impaction positive and five ears classified as impaction negative corresponded accurately to the presence or absence of cerumen impaction. Among four ears classified as unclear, two did and two did not have cerumen impaction. Conclusion Careful examination of the external ear canal on brain magnetic resonance imaging can be used to detect cerumen impaction. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 16: 392–395.