MRI as a single screening procedure for acoustic neuroma: a cost effective protocol

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is accepted as the 'gold standard' in diagnosing acoustic neuromas. Limited availability and perceived high costs have prevented clinicians from using it as a first-line investigation. A prospective study was set up in a specially designated screening session to audit the cost effectiveness and accuracy of audiovestibular investigations compared to MRI. Ninety-nine patients with asymmetrical audiovestibular symptoms or signs were investigated. Of these 54 evoked response audiometry tests, and 39 calorics were either not performed or were inconclusive. One patient refused to enter the MRI machine. All others received an unequivocal report after MRI and four tumours (three intracanalicular) were detected. The total cost of the audiovestibular protocol was 12,545 pounds compared to 12,900 pounds for the MRI protocol, which is a diagnostic and well-tolerated procedure. This study shows that MRI can be cost effective, as well as accurate, when used as a single screening procedure for acoustic neuromas.