Analysis of the 3-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (3D-FLAIR) sequence in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

IMPORTANCE: The unpredictability of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) presents a challenge to preventive care. Our study confirms the potentially important role of the 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in particular of the 3-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (3D-FLAIR) sequence, in the diagnosis and prognosis of ISSNHL to guide medical treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the diagnostic, clinical, and prognostic role of 3D-FLAIR MRI in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: Retrospective study in a tertiary referral center with a consecutive sample of 23 patients diagnosed as having unilateral ISSNHL from January 2010 to March 2011.

EXPOSURES: Patients underwent 3D-FLAIR MRI at 3 T to evaluate ISSNHL, and the MRI images were compared with those belonging to a random group of 20 age-matched healthy patients.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Precontrast and postcontrast high-intensity 3D-FLAIR MRI findings in patients with ISSNHL and the correlation with clinical findings.

RESULTS: Thirteen patients showed high-intensity signals in the affected inner ear on precontrast and postcontrast 3D-FLAIR MRI (57%). From the analysis of different MRI sequences, we posited 3 radiologic patterns likely correlated with mild hemorrhage, acute inflammation, and presence or absence of blood-labyrinth or nerve barrier (BLB) breakdown. Hypersignal on 3D-FLAIR MRI was positively associated with pretreatment hearing loss (P = .04) and presence of vertigo (P = .04). A strict correlation also existed between distribution of the signal (vestibule, semicircular canals) and clinical features (vertigo) (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Use of 3D-FLAIR MRI at 3 T may contribute to the elucidation of pathologic conditions in the inner ears of patients with ISSNHL and provide new radiologic indicators (mild hemorrhage, acute inflammation, presence or absence of BLB breakdown) that might assume the role of prognostic factors.