A child who survived bacterial meningitis at age two now has bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss and is being assessed for cochlear implantation. High-resolution CT shows partial obliteration of the scala tympani of the basal turn. The most likely pathological process is:

• A Enlarged vestibular aqueduct
• B Mondini dysplasia
• C Michel aplasia
• D Labyrinthitis ossificans ✓

Explanation

Labyrinthitis ossificans is fibrous followed by osseous obliteration of the perilymphatic spaces after meningogenic labyrinthitis, typically beginning in the scala tympani of the basal turn near the round window. It directly compromises cochlear implant electrode insertion and may require drill-out techniques or a split array. Michel aplasia is complete absence of the inner ear, and Mondini dysplasia is a congenital malformation, not acquired.

Reference: Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.