Association of audiovestibular findings with fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging in patients with vestibular schwannoma

Abstract

BackgroundVestibular schwannoma (VS) is a benign tumor of the vestibular nerve. Flair-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images are sensitive in detecting high protein contents of fluids. ObjectivesTo investigate the association between signal intensity (SI) on FLAIR images and audiovestibular findings in patients with VS. MethodsMedical records of twenty-five patients with VS were retrospectively analyzed. ResultsLarger tumors were associated with increased FLAIR SI of the cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canal (SCC) on the affected side compared to those of the unaffected side. Pure-tone audiometry (PTA), and speech audiometry were associated with the SI of the affected cochlea. There was no significant correlation between the SI of the vestibule and vestibular evoked myogenic potential, SI of the SCC, and caloric test or video head impulse test results. ConclusionOur study suggests that tumor size was significantly associated with high SI on FLAIR imaging, and audiological findings were associated with the SI of the affected cochlea. Further studies with larger cohorts are required to confirm the association between vestibular function and FLAIR imaging in VS.