Three-Dimensional Fast Spin-Echo T2-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Images of the Cerebellopontine Angle

In patients experiencing dizziness and hearing disorders, it is essential to rule out the possibility of an intracranial affection, typically a cerebellopontine angle (CPA) process. Clinically, this often is accomplished using audiology and otoneurology and by interpreting the time course of the symptoms. However, in many cases, we must resort to imaging of the skull base and the CPA. The use of thin-section, fast spin-echo, heavily T2-weighted images can eliminate the need for gadolinium contrast administration, offering a cheaper and quicker investigation as compared with the customary T1-weighted images using gadolinium. With three-dimensional volume sampling, slice thickness can be reduced to 0.7 mm. Data reconstruction in every desired direction is possible. Ninety-two patients with hearing and balance disorders were examined using this method. In subjects free of tumor in the CPA, the seventh and eighth nerves could be followed accurately from the internal auditory meatus to the brainstem. The tumors could be outlined with reasonable accuracy even without gadolinium contrast. Three-dimensional, fast spin-echo, T2-weighted images are useful in evaluating the CPA in cases of suspected tumor. Most often the use of gadolinium can be avoided. This seems to be a cheap alternative for magnetic resonance screening of patients experiencing dizziness and hearing disorders.