DICOM-Based Quantification of MRI Artifact from Auditory Implants: a Technical Note Comparing Bone-Conduction- and Cochlear Implants

MRI in patients with auditory implants is limited by implant-related signal void, geometric distortion, and intravoxel dephasing. Artifact extent is often described qualitatively. We aimed to quantify MRI artifact burden from a novel transcutaneous bone-conduction implant (SentioTM) and to compare it with cochlear implant controls under routine, label-compliant 1.5 T clinical conditions.

Audiologists and implant teams should be aware that artifact extent differs meaningfully between bone-conduction and cochlear implants on MRI; these findings can inform pre-scan counselling and radiologist communication, but specific protocol changes should await larger validation studies.

As MRI use grows in implant recipients, standardised, reproducible methods for quantifying imaging artifacts are essential for safe post-implantation radiological care.

1. 01DICOM-based tools can objectively quantify MRI signal void, geometric distortion, and dephasing from auditory implants.
2. 02Bone-conduction implants and cochlear implants produce measurably different MRI artifact profiles.
3. 03Standardised artifact measurement could improve pre-scan risk communication with patients and radiologists.
4. 04Technical note design means findings are methodological rather than outcomes-based.

PMID

42230343

DOI

10.1007/s00062-026-01675-z.

Journal

Clinical Neuroradiology

Publication type

technical_note

Evidence level

4

Population

MRI scans of patients or phantoms with bone-conduction implants and cochlear implants

Intervention

DICOM-based quantification of MRI artifacts from bone-conduction implants

Comparator

MRI artifacts from cochlear implants