Three‐Dimensional Fluid‐Attenuated Inversion Recovery Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings and Prognosis in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
- 1 August 2008
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wiley in The Laryngoscope
- Vol. 118 (8), 1433-1437
- https://doi.org/10.1097/mlg.0b013e318172ef85
Abstract
Objectives/Hypothesis: Three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has recently been developed to detect high concentrations of protein or hemorrhage. We have previously reported that 50% of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) show high signals in the affected inner ear on 3D-FLAIR MRI. However, the relationship between 3D-FLAIR findings and hearing prognosis is unclear. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between the results of 3D-FLAIR MRI at 3 Tesla and prognosis in sudden SNHL. Study Design and Methods: We used 3D-FLAIR at 3 Tesla with and without gadolinium enhancement to evaluate the pathologic conditions in the inner ears of 48 patients with sudden SNHL. Results: Thirty-one of 48 patients with sudden SNHL showed high signals in the affected inner ear on precontrast 3D-FLAIR. Hearing improvement in patients with high signals in the affected inner ear on precontrast 3D-FLAIR (25 ± 19 dB) was significantly worse than that in patients with no signal (45 ± 27 dB; P < .05). Our analysis suggests that high signals in the affected inner ear on precontrast 3D-FLAIR MRI is a new prognostic factor for sudden SNHL. Conclusions: 3D-FLAIR findings show that high signals in the cochlea on precontrast 3D-FLAIR are related to a poor hearing prognosis. These signals may reflect minor hemorrhage or an increased concentration of protein in the inner ear, which has passed through blood vessels with increased permeability or has originated in disrupted cells in the inner ear.Keywords
This publication has 14 references indexed in Scilit:
- 3D-FLAIR MRI findings in a patient with Ramsay Hunt syndromeActa Oto-Laryngologica, 2007
- 3D-FLAIR magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of mumps deafnessInternational Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 2006
- Visualization of a high protein concentration in the cochlea of a patient with a large endolymphatic duct and sac, using three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imagingThe Journal of Laryngology & Otology, 2006
- Three‐Dimensional Fluid‐Attenuated Inversion Recovery Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Patients with Sudden Sensorineural Hearing LossThe Laryngoscope, 2006
- Inner Ear Hemorrhage in Systemic Lupus ErythematosusThe Laryngoscope, 2006
- Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Associated with Inner Ear AnomalyOtology & Neurotology, 2005
- Contrast-enhanced MR imaging of the endolymphatic sac in patients with sudden hearing lossEuropean Radiology, 2001
- Viral cochleitis with gadolinium enhancement of the cochlea on magnetic resonance imaging scanOtolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery, 1999
- Evaluation of Prostaglandin E1 Therapy for Sudden DeafnessThe Laryngoscope, 1989
- Sudden Deafnfess of Vascular Origin: A Human Temporal Bone StudyAnnals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, 1976