Congenital ossification of the stapedius tendon: diagnosis with CT.

Abstract

To describe the features of congenital ossification of the stapedius tendon at thin-section computed tomography (CT). Thin-section CT scans, clinical records, and surgical findings were retrospectively evaluated in nine ears of five patients with surgically proved congenital ossification of the stapedius tendon. Thin-section CT scans of 50 control ears were also reviewed. On thin-section CT scans, a linear area of soft-tissue attenuation was demonstrated between the monopod stapes and the pyramidal eminence (nine ears), as well as thickening of the stapes footplate (two ears). In the 50 control ears, the normal stapes tendon was not clearly seen on thin-section CT scans. At CT, a linear area of soft-tissue attenuation that extends from the pyramidal eminence to the monopod stapes is suggestive of congenital ossification of the stapedius tendon or a bony bar adjacent to it.