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Incidental findings on magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory meatus performed to investigate audiovestibular symptoms

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 December 2016

H M Htun ,
S L Mui ,
C Williams  and
P S Hans
H M Htun*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, UK
S L Mui
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, UK
C Williams
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, UK
P S Hans
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Ms Hay Mar Htun, Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Whinney Heys Road, Blackpool FY3 8NR, UK E-mail: haymarhtun@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Objective:

To determine the frequency of incidental findings found on magnetic resonance imaging scans of the internal auditory meatus performed to investigate audiovestibular symptoms, and to determine how to best manage these when found.

Method:

A retrospective review was conducted of internal auditory meatus magnetic resonance imaging scans during a three-month period in the radiology department at a UK district general hospital.

Results:

A total of 109 scans were reviewed. Of these, 92.7 per cent showed no retrocochlear pathology, 0.9 per cent showed vestibular schwannoma, 6.4 per cent revealed vascular loops, and 2.8 per cent showed incidental findings that warranted further action and investigation. Of the scans, 40.4 per cent showed other incidental pathologies such as age-related ischaemic changes, and sinus disease that required no further intervention. Of the magnetic resonance imaging scans reviewed, 49.5 per cent were entirely normal.

Conclusion:

Almost half of the scans investigating audiovestibular symptoms showed incidental findings. Otolaryngologists should have an understanding of the significance of the most commonly encountered incidental findings, and should counsel patients appropriately and refer them onward when necessary.

Keywords

MRIInternal Auditory MeatusAudiovestibular SymptomsVestibular SchwannomaIncidental Findings
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 131 , Issue 1 , January 2017 , pp. 32 - 36
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2016 

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Footnotes

Presented orally at the North of England Otorhinolaryngological Society Meeting, 16 October 2015, Wakefield, and as a poster at the British Institute of Radiology Annual Trainee Events, 12–13 November 2015, Birmingham, UK.

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