Three Dimensional Fourier Transformation Constructive Interferencein Steady State Magnetic Resonance Imaging (3DFT-CISS MRI) ofthe Inner Ear in Patients with Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Kim, Sung Won; Yeo, Sang Won; Kim, Sang Hoo; Kim, Jong Soo; Cho, Jae Hong; Lee, Dong Hee; Lee, Seung Kyun

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Three dimensional fourier transformation constructive interference in steady state magnetic resonance imaging (3DFT-CISS MRI) allows fast and precise imaging of the inner ear structures and provides excellent cerebrospinal fluid-nerve contrast within the internal auditory canal and cerebellopontine angle. This study was performed to delineate the inner ear structure in patients with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) using 3DFT-CISS MRI and to evaluate the correlation between structural abnormality and clinical symptoms of the affected ear.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Fourteen patients with sensorineural hearing loss were studied using 3DFT CISS axial and coronal MRI scans of both ears. We observed the visualization of the inner ear structures and measured them individually. The radiological measurements were analyzed to compare the findings in non-affected ears with those in affected ears of SNHL patients. In addition, the onset of symptoms was also evaluated for any relationship to their MR findings.
RESULTS
The inner ear structures including cochlea, semicircular canal, vestibule, and cranial nerve VII, VIII were precisely visualized. There was statistically no difference in the measurements of the inner ear structures between affected and non-affected ears in patients with sudden SNHL. However, statistically significant differences in the width and height of the vestibule were observed in the affected ears between sudden SNHL and idiopathic chronic SNHL.
CONCLUSION
3DFT-CISS MRI allows detailed study of the normal and pathologic inner ears. Therefore, this MR technique can be a useful method as a routine protocol in the study of the inner ear diseases.