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Normal and diseased acoustic pathway: evaluation with MR imaging.
W G Armington1, H R Harnsberger, W R Smoker
1Department of Radiology, University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City 84132.
Radiology
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging effectively assesses the acoustic pathway in sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). MR imaging is superior to computed tomography (CT) for displaying abnormalities in this region.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a common condition affecting the auditory pathway.
- Accurate diagnosis of SNHL requires detailed imaging of the acoustic pathway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for assessing the normal and diseased acoustic pathway.
- To compare the efficacy of MR imaging with computed tomography (CT) in detecting abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- MR imaging was performed on 176 patients with SNHL.
- CT was additionally performed on 25 patients with abnormalities detected by MR.
- A review of 30 normal MR images of the cerebellopontine angle and brain was conducted.
Main Results:
- MR imaging detected abnormalities in 65 patients, with 50 believed to be responsible for SNHL.
- The cochlea or vestibulocochlear nerve was involved in 47% of cases.
- MR imaging was considered superior to CT for lesion display in 72% of comparative cases.
Conclusions:
- MR imaging delineates the acoustic pathway more clearly than CT.
- MR imaging is recommended for examining abnormalities in the acoustic pathway.