3D-FLAIR MRI findings in patients with low-tone sudden deafness

Abstract

Conclusion: The findings suggest that alterations in the composition of inner ear fluid play important roles in the development of low-tone sudden deafness (LTSD). High-intensity signals on three-dimensional fluid attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) may reflect an increased concentration of protein in the inner ear due to the increased permeability of blood vessels. Disordered blood flow in the inner ear is associated with an increased permeability of the blood–labyrinth barrier. Therefore, the disordered blood flow in the cochlea may be closely related to the pathophysiological mechanisms of LTSD. Objectives: The 3D-FLAIR sequence has been used to detect alterations in the composition of inner ear fluid. The purpose of this study was to report imaging findings in cases of LTSD. Methods: 3D-FLAIR magnetic resonance imaging was performed in five women with nonrecurrent-type LTSD. Results: Three of the five patients (60%) showed high-intensity signals in the cochlear basal turn on precontrast 3D-FLAIR. Postcontrast enhancement was not prominent in any patient. In patient 1, the cochlea of the unaffected side showed high-intensity signals. No patients had such signals in the vestibulae or the semicircular canals.

Keywords::

• Inner ear disturbance
• acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.