Speakers:
- Sudhir Kathuria, M.D., CAQ Neuroradiology, Charter Radiology, Maryland
Additional Details:
Dr. Sudhir Kathuria's presentation, Radiology for Audiology, is a comprehensive educational session designed to bridge the knowledge gap between radiologic imaging and clinical audiology. Originally delivered at the Maryland Academy of Audiology Conference, the session is aimed at helping audiologists understand when and how to utilize CT and MRI imaging for temporal bone pathologies. Dr. Kathuria's, a board-certified neuroaudiologist with two decades of experience, offers a detailed exploration of both imaging modalities, their indications, limitations, and their relevance in evaluating hearing disorders.
Throughout the lecture, Dr. Kathuria explains the technical workings of CT and MRI machines, including how images are generated and how contrast agents can enhance diagnostic accuracy. CT is highlighted as the preferred modality for evaluating bony anatomy such as ossicles, the cochlea, and the external auditory canal. It plays a central role in diagnosing conditions like conductive hearing loss, otosclerosis, trauma-induced fractures, and cholesteatomas. In contrast, MRI is better suited for assessing soft tissue structures and detecting retrocochlear pathologies, including vestibular schwannomas and cochlear nerve anomalies, particularly in cases of asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss.
A substantial portion of the presentation is devoted to clinical case reviews, demonstrating how imaging findings correlate with audiogram results. Dr. Kathuria discusses congenital anomalies, infections, neoplasms, traumatic injuries, and post-surgical outcomes using real patient examples. Each case is paired with diagnostic imaging and audiograms, reinforcing the importance of integrating radiologic and audiologic data. He also addresses special considerations such as the use of contrast material, contraindications due to renal function or implanted devices, and artifacts that may obscure image quality.
In conclusion, the presentation underscores the complementary roles of CT and MRI in audiologic diagnostics. Dr. Kathuria emphasizes that while CT is the initial tool of choice for conductive hearing loss and bone-related abnormalities, MRI is indispensable for evaluating soft tissue masses and nerve-related issues. By weaving together anatomy, pathology, imaging, and audiometric data, Dr. Kathuria delivers a session that is both technically informative and clinically practical for audiologists seeking a deeper understanding of radiologic support in their practice.