Usefulness of 3D‐FLAIR MRI to Detect Inner Ear Abnormalities in Patients with Sudden SNHL

Abstract

Objectives: Three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging (3D-FLAIR MRI) has been used to detect alterations in the composition of the inner ear fluid. We aimed to investigate an association between the hearing level and the signal intensity of pre- and postcontrast 3D-FLAIR MRI in patients with sudden-onset sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Methods: 3D-FLAIR MRI was performed in 18 patients with sudden-onset SNHL: 12 patients with mild-to-moderate SNHL (baseline hearing levels, ≤ 60 dB) and 6 patients with severe-to-profound SNHL (baseline hearing levels >60 dB). Results: High-intensity signals in the inner ear were observed in 2 of 6 patients (33%) with severe-to-profound SNHL but not in those with mild-to-moderate SNHL ( P < .05). Signals were observed on MRI scans 6 or 18 days after SNHL onset. Conclusions: Our results indicate that 3D-FLAIR MRI is not a useful tool for detecting inner ear abnormalities in patients with mild SNHL.