The 'full-blown' MRI of sudden hearing loss: 3D FLAIR in a patient with bilateral metastases in the internal auditory canals

Giorgio Conte, Federica Di Berardino, Diego Zanetti, Sabrina Avignone, Clara Sina, Elisabetta Iofrida, Fabio Triulzi, Giorgio Conte, Federica Di Berardino, Diego Zanetti, Sabrina Avignone, Clara Sina, Elisabetta Iofrida, Fabio Triulzi

Abstract

We report a case of a 57-year-old man with bilateral masses in the internal auditory canal. The peculiar findings at magnetic resonance imaging with tridimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence combined with clinical data provided new insights into understanding the pathophysiology of the hearing loss.

Keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging; fluid-attenuated inversion recovery; inner ear; internal auditory canal; melanoma.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Precontrast gradient echo (GRE) T1-weighted image (a), three-dimensional (3D) fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence (b), 3D steady state free procession sequence (c), post-contrast GRE T1-weighted image (d). Magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral soft tissue masses (thin arrows) within the IACs, protruding slightly into the CPAs but without mass effect on the brainstem. The soft tissue was hyperintense on T1-weighted images and hypointense on T2-weighted images compared to the cerebrospinal fluid, with enhancement after contrast agent administration. 3D FLAIR sequence showed hyperintensity of the intralabyrinthine fluid of the right cochlea and vestibule (thick arrow).

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Source: PubMed

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