Magnetic resonance imaging in the search for retrocochlear pathology

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of retrocochlear pathologic conditions that may be seen with full, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, relative to more limited studies of the internal auditory canals (IACs) in patients with unilateral hearing loss or tinnitus with or without dizziness.

A retrospective study was performed on all patients who had a magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and otologic symptoms over a 7-year period.

Abnormalities were found in 11 of 128 patients with only auditory symptoms and in 63 of 282 patients with auditory symptoms and/or dizziness (P = 0.005). Treatable lesions may not have been identified with a limited IAC study in 3 of 128 patients with only unilateral auditory symptoms, and 21 of 282 patients with dizziness (P = 0.045).

Limited MRI of the IACs may serve as an adequate screening test for retrocochlear pathologic conditions in patients with unilateral auditory symptoms and no dizziness.