Hyun-kyung Yoo, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jeong Hyun Lee, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Byung Se Choi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ji Kang Park MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Joong Ho Ahn MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Jin Woo Choi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Kyung Soon Jeong MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Deok Hee Lee, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Choong Gon Choi, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sang Joon Kim MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical significance of pre- and post-Gadolinium enhanced FLAIR MRI of the membranous labyrinths at 3-T in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL)

Axial pre- and post-Gadolinium enhanced FLAIR MR images of the bilateral temporal bones were performed in 42 consecutive patients with SNHL at 3-T. Two neuroradiologists analyzed the FLAIR images with consensus blind to the site of hearing impairment, for the presence of hyperintensity of the membranous labyrinths on the pre-FLAIR images or enhancement after contrast injection. The diagnostic accuracy of the FLAIR images were calculated from the results of the analysis. The findings on FLAIR images were also correlated with the degree of hearing improvement after steroid treatment measured, and the duration of SNHL before MR examination.  

The hyperintensity, enhancement of the membranous labyrinths, or either of them were found in 13 (31%), 15 (36%), and 22 (52%) patients, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of those findings for the diagnosis of SNHL were 56%, 84%, 79%, and 64%. The hyperintensity was inversely correlated with the degree of hearing improvement after treatment (p < 0.05), but the enhancement was not. There was no significance between the MR findings and the other clinical parameters.

Pre- and post-Gadolinium enhanced FLAIR MRI could reveal abnormalities of the membranous labyrinths in half of the patients with SNHL. The hyperintensity on the pre-FLAIR images might be a useful parameter predicting the treatment responsiveness. 

FLAIR images of the temporal bone could reveal abnormalities of the membranous labyrinths in patients with SNHL and might be a useful predictor for the treatment responsiveness.

Yoo, H, Lee, J, Choi, B, Park, J, Ahn, J, Choi, J, Jeong, K, Lee, D, Choi, C, Kim, S, et al, , Pre- and Post-Gadolinium-enhanced FLAIR MRI of the Membranous Labyrinths at 3-T in Patients with Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss.  Radiological Society of North America 2008 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, February 18 - February 20, 2008 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2008/6016388.html