Skip to main content
Download PDF

Incidental findings on MRI scans of patients presenting with audiovestibular symptoms

BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders volume 10, Article number: 6 (2010) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

The evaluation of patients presenting with audiovestibular symptoms usually includes MRI of the internal auditory meatus, the cerebellopontine angle and the brain. A significant percentage of these scans will present unexpected, incidental findings, which could have important clinical significance.

Objective

To determine the frequency and clinical significance of incidental findings on MRI scans of patients with audiovestibular symptoms.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis of 200 serial MRI scans.

Results

Gender distribution: equal. Age range: 17-82 years. One-hundred and four scans (52%) were normal and 1 scan (0.5%) demonstrated a unilateral vestibular schwannoma. Ninety-five scans (47.5%) demonstrated incidental findings. Sixty-six of these (33%) were considered of ishaemic origin and did not require further action. Five (2.5%) scans demonstrated significant findings which warranted appropriate referral; Two Gliomas (1%), 2 cases of extensive White Matter Lesions (1%), 1 lipoma (0.5%). The remaining scans demonstrated various other findings.

Conclusion

Investigation of patients with audiovestibular symptoms with MRI scans revealed incidental findings in a significant percentage (47.5%). The majority of these findings were benign warranting no further action and only 2.5% required further referral. It is the responsibility of the referring Otolaryngologist to be aware of these findings, to be able to assess their significance, to inform the patient and if needed to refer for further evaluation.

Peer Review reports

Background

Patients frequently present to the otorhinolaryngologist with audiovestibular symptoms such as; asymmetrical hearing loss, unilateral tinnitus, sudden sensorineural hearing loss and vertigo. Investigation of these patients includes thorough clinical examination, audiological evaluation and frequently Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Internal Auditory Meatus (IAM), cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and brain. MRI scanning is a well-established, cost-effective investigation for these patients [1–3]. Only a small percentage of these scans reveal some form of causative pathology. However, a significant percentage will present unexpected findings which may have clinical significance. MRI findings which are unrelated to the purpose of the examination are considered incidental findings [4].

A growing body of literature exists in regards to incidental findings in various groups of patients. Mirza et al reported a frequency of 41% of incidental findings while examining MRI scans for CPA tumours [5]. Katzman et al reported on incidental findings in a large group of healthy volunteers [6]. They reported a 18% occurrence of incidental findings and a 1.1% occurrence of clinically significant findings. The Cardiovascular Health Study [7, 8] reported a 1.7% occurrence of clinically serious incidental findings in MRI brain scans and the Rotterdam study [9] concluded that incidental findings in the general population are quite common.

Therefore, we performed a retrospective analysis of 200 serial MRI scans, of patients with audiovestibular symptoms. The aim of our study was to define the frequency of incidental findings, their severity and clinical importance, as well as any further management needed.

Methods

This study was performed by the Academic Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, National University of Ireland, Galway and the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital Dublin, Ireland.

We retrospectively reviewed 200 serial MRI scans requested for patients with audiovestibular symptoms.

These patients presented to the respective outpatient departments complaining of asymmetrical hearing loss, unilateral tinnitus, sudden sensorineural hearing loss and atypical vertigo. A thorough clinical ENT examination was performed, which included a pure tone audiogram, tympanogram and clinical vestibular testing. No electophysiological and vestibular studies were performed at this stage. Additionally an MRI scan of the IAM, CPA and brain was requested, the primary aim being to exclude CPA lesions.

For this study asymmetrical hearing loss was defined as a difference of 20 dB HL or more at one frequency and 15 dB HL or more in two consecutive frequencies in bone conduction thresholds. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss was defined as a drop of 15 dB HL in three consecutive frequencies or 20 dB HL in one frequency within 72 hours or less. Patients with vertigo presenting with non-typical clinical features and disease evolution and/or with non-typical responses to vestibular testing where characterized as cases of atypical vertigo.

No ethics approval was needed for this study as the use of this imaging technique is considered as an integral part of the diagnostic approach of these patients. Patients undergoing MRI scanning had consented verbally to proceed with this examination both at the time of arranging the scan and at the time of scanning.

The standard protocol for the MRI scans performed was T2-weighted high-resolution 2-3 mm sections through the IAM and 6 mm sections through the brain. Additionally, T1-weighted sections with Gadolinium enhancement were also performed.

Results

Two-hundred MRI serial scans were reviewed (99 females and 101 males), age range 17 to 82 years.

One hundred and four scans (52%) were reported as completely normal (Table 1).

Table 1 Findings from MRI scanning
Full size table

One patient (0.5%), who presented with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss and unilateral tinnitus, was found to have an ipsilateral vestibular schwannoma (Table 1). The patient was referred for neurosurgical evaluation and management.

Ninety-five scans (47.5%) demonstrated various incidental findings (Table 2). The most frequent incidental finding were hyperintensive white matter foci, commonly referred to as White Matter Lesions (WML). Fifty-four cases (27%) demonstrated WML alone, whereas in 14 cases (7%) the WML were noted in combination with other pathology. Of these mixed cases two patients (1%) presented extensive WML (Fig. 1, 2) and were referred to the department of neurology for further evaluation.

Table 2 Incidental findings from MRI scanning
Full size table
Figure 1
figure 1

Extensive WML (horizontal and vertical cuts)

Full size image
Figure 2
figure 2

Extensive WML

Full size image

Five patients (2.5%), had clinically serious incidental findings that needed further management.

Two patients (1%) were found to have gliomas (one in the frontal lobe, while the other was lateral and adjacent to the posterior horn of the left lateral ventricle, (Fig. 3) and were referred to the department of neurosurgery, for further evaluation.

Figure 3
figure 3

Glioma (horizontal and vertical cuts)

Full size image

One patient (0.5%) was found to have a lipoma of the quadrigeminal plate cistern, 15 mm in diameter, with no noticed mass effect, and was also referred to the department of neurosurgery.

Two further patients (1%) were found to have a small arachnoid cyst (one in the temporal fossa and the other in the contralateral IAM). These were considered innocuous and no further action was warranted.

One patient (0.5%) was found to have a small meningioma arising from the vertex of the skull, contralateral to the patient's unilateral tinnitus; no further action was taken.

Three patients (1.5%) had cerebral atrophy as a sole finding, while 6 (3%) had atrophy in combination with WML (Fig. 4).

Figure 4
figure 4

Meningioma (vertical and coronal cuts)

Full size image

In 2 scans (1%), vascular anomalies were noted; an enlarged vascular space and a loop of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery.

Five patients (2.5%) were reported to have findings from one or multiple sinuses with findings ranging from simple mucosal thickening to pansinusitis, while 4 (2%) presented sinus findings and WML and 2 (1%) sinus findings and cerebral atrophy.

Three patients (1.5%) were reported to present high signals in the middle ear and mastoid region indicating inflammation. Another 2 (1%) presented middle ear/mastoid findings and WML and 1 (0.5%) presented both mastoid and sinus findings.

Finally 1 patient (0.5%) presented enhancement around the facial nerve, however as the patient had no complains in regards to the facial nerve or the respective middle ear no further action was warranted.

Discussion

Our retrospective study included 200 serial scans of patients that presented with audiovestibular symptoms. Initially all patients underwent a full otolaryngologic clinical evaluation, vestibular clinical examination, pure tone audiogram and tympanogram, as suggested by the Sheppard et al investigation protocol [10]. Subsequently, they underwent an MRI scan of the IAM, CPA and brain in order to exclude any intracranial pathology.

Advanced modern MRI scanners present a high degree of accuracy in detecting vestibular schwannomas. Therefore, these sequences have been suggested as an efficient and quick method of investigation for patients with audiovestibular symptoms [11]. Additionally, a growing body of literature considers Auditory Brainstem Testing as non effective and expensive for screening [12]. Modern MRI scanners are considered to reach 100% sensitivity for acoustic tumour screening, without enhancement. However, further imaging with enhancement is needed to confirm diagnosis [12] Additionally, FLAIR (Fluid attenuation inversion recovery) sequences have been shown to be able to demonstrate inflammation of the inner ear, making MRI imaging an effective tool for the investigation of inflammatory conditions causing sudden sensorineural hearing loss [13, 14]. In our study T1- weighted sections with Gadolinium enhancement and T2 weighted high-resolution 2-3 mm sections through the IAM and 6 mm sections through the brain were performed.

However, it should be noted that in some cases, MRI can not fully discover the pathological changes in the audiovestibular system, patients with negative results should be consulted in higher level hospital to get sophisticated inspection.

Approximately half of the scans (52%) performed were reported to be normal. This is a common finding in reported series of MRI scans performed in order to investigate various audiovestibular symptoms [1, 5]. Studies of healthy volunteers or the general population show a higher percentage of normal scans [6, 8].

In our study 96 (48%) of the scans demonstrated positive findings (Table 1). One ipsilateral vestibular schwannoma was detected in a patient with tinnitus.

The remaining 95 scans (47.5%) revealed positive findings, however these could not be directly related to the investigated symptoms, therefore they were considered as incidental findings [4]. Various studies have addressed the subject of incidental findings on MRI of the brain, as they appear to be quite common [15–23]. The Rotterdam study presented a high prevalence of incidental findings, asymptomatic brain infarcts, cerebral aneurysms and benign primary tumours being the most frequent findings [9]. Mirza et al reported in a group of patients investigated for CPA tumours a frequency of 41% of incidental findings with vascular anomalies, WML, cerebral atrophy, sinus findings and middle ear/mastoid findings being the most common [5].

In our study the most common finding was subcortical white matter hyperintensive foci, commonly referred as WML, noted either alone or in combination with other findings (68, 44%). Various studies suggest that WML are quite common, reaching a frequency of 95% in elderly patients [24]. WML appear to be age related with an increase of load and severity with age. In the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study [25] their frequency increased from 88% in 55-year-olds to 92.2% in 65-year-olds. The exact nature of WML is still not defined, however currently the consensus is that they may well be ischaemic in nature. This concept has been studied in relation with various cardiovascular factors [26–29]; hypertension appearing consistently associated with their presence [30–33]. There seems to be a genetic element also to the presence of WML. Joutel at al identified mutations of the Notch 3 gene, which is located on chromosome 19, responsible for the CADASIL syndrome which presents with WML among other key features [34]. WML have been associated with various impairments of neurological function. Studies have shown WML to be associated with impairment in speed and memory function [35], motor performance, balance and gait [36]. It appears that WMLs may represent the effect of a number of pathologies and the level of their clinical significance has not been fully defined. Therefore, clinicians using MRI scans should understand the lack of specificity of this finding and assess and draw conclusions based on the patient's clinical status [37]. Due to the data collection process detailed information about the number of patients with WML and their presenting complain was not available, which is a defect of our study.

It should be stressed that a demyelinating process could also appear as hyperintensities of the white matter and therefore a differential diagnosis from an incidental WML is necessary [38]. With this in mind, extensive WML should not be dismissed as a simple incidental finding; clinical correlation and appropriate referral is warranted in such cases. Therefore the 2 patients with extensive WML that were found in our study were referred to the Department of Neurology for further evaluation.

Two of the scans revealed a large glioma, with no mass effect in either case. The lesions were large enough to warrant a referral, as there was a concern of potential haemorrhage within them.

Another patient showed a lipoma of the quadrigeminal plate cistern 12-15 mm in diameter, with no signs of mass effect on the surrounding brain structures on the MRI. However, due to the unusual presentation the patient was referred for an out-patient neurosurgical assessment.

In one case an arachnoid cyst was found in the temporal lobe and in another in the contralateral IAM. As these lesions were small, and not related to the patients' symptom (hearing loss) they were considered as benign findings [39], and therefore routine follow up was suggested.

In our study one meningioma (0.5%) was noted, in the Rotterdam study they were the most common benign tumour, with a frequency of 0.9% [9]. The majority of meningiomas appear to be asymptomatic and their growth rate is very slow [15, 16]. This silent slow clinical course would explain why approximately 50% of meningiomas are discovered at autopsy [17]. In our case due to the fact that the finding was contralateral to the patient's symptoms, less than 1 cm in diameter with no clinical symptoms and taking into account the patient's age, no further action was undertaken.

Twelve patients (6%) presented findings related to their sinuses, with or without other incidental findings. Sinus findings in various MRI series performed for non-sinonasal complaints appear to be quite common. Therefore, a number of studies have been performed in order to define the clinical importance of these paranasal findings [18–20]. Most recently McNeil et al [21] in a prospective study found that there is no statistical relationship between sinonasal symptoms and MRI paranasal findings, in patients undergoing MRI scanning for non-sinonasal complaints. Currently the consensus is that these findings need to be clinically correlated when interpreting scans of the sinuses. In our series none of our patients were treated on the basis of the scan results.

Eleven patients (5.5%) presented a degree of cerebral atrophy, with or without any other findings. Scahill et al [22] observed the effect of age on global and regional brain volumes in healthy individuals. Their work showed that there is significant decrease in the cross-sectional volume of whole brain with the advance of age, a finding confirmed by our study. Kerber et al [23] demonstrated a relationship between cerebral atrophy, WML and disequilibrium, however there was no direct association with vertigo.

Two patients (1%) presented with vascular anomalies. One presented with an enlarged vascular space, which was considered an anatomical variation. The other complained of unilateral mild tinnitus, showed an ipsilateral vascular loop of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery on MRI. The loop was in close contact with the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves. Such vascular loops are not uncommon findings on various anatomical studies [40, 41] and can present in close proximity to the CPA, the IAM or the vestibulocochlear nerve. Reisser et al [42] studied 1327 human temporal bones and found that 12.3% of the specimens featured an anterior inferior cerebellar artery loop, a finding that did not correlate with unexplained hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus or Meniere's disease. Therefore, based on the available data such findings could be considered a normal anatomical variant. Conversely, a number of authors have suggested that compression of the VIII cranial nerve by vascular loops of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery may be a cause of symptoms as vertigo, tinnitus, and sensorineural hearing loss; however data in favor of this mechanism is limited [43–47]. Despite the lack of evidence a number of authors report positive results after surgical decompression of the VIII cranial nerve [48–51]. After explaining our findings, possible explanations and treatment options the patient refused any further interventions.

There were 6 patients with middle ear/mastoid region inflammation, with or without some other form of incidental finding. Four of these patients had previously undergone middle ear surgery, or were treated for chronic middle ear disease. However, as none of the patients presented active disease, no immediate action was undertaken.

Finally one patient was found to have a degree of enhancement around the facial nerve. As the patient did not present any associated symptoms, no further action was needed.

Conclusion

The great sensitivity of the MRI as an investigative tool for the clinician allows the detection of previously undetectable pathologies and anomalies. In our retrospective evaluation of 200 MRI scans of patients with audiovestibular symptoms, incidental findings were demonstrated in 95 cases (47.5%); Ninety cases (45%) of these incidental findings were benign and warranted no further action. However, 5 cases (2.5%) demonstrated serious clinical incidental findings and required appropriate referral to other specialties. It is therefore the responsibility of the referring clinician to assess the clinical significance of the various findings, inform the patient, and refer for further evaluation, if necessary.

Abbreviations

MRI:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

IAM:

Internal Auditory Meatus

CPA:

Cerebellopontine Angle

dB HL:

Decibel hearing level

WML:

White Matter Lesions

FLAIR:

Fluid attenuation inversion recovery

References

  1. Kwan TL, Tang KW, Pak KK, Cheung JY: Screening for vestibular schwannoma by magnetic resonance imaging: analysis of 1821 patients. Hong Kong Med J. 2004, 10 (1): 38-43.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Robson AK, Leighton SE, Anslow P, Milford CA: MRI as a single screening procedure for acoustic neuroma: a cost effective protocol. J R Soc Med. 1993, 86 (8): 455-7.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  3. Raber E, Dort JC, Sevick R, Winkelaar R: Asymmetric hearing loss: toward cost-effective diagnosis. J Otolaryngol. 1997, 26 (2): 88-91.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Illes J, Kirschen MP, Edwards E, Stanford LR, Bandettini P, Cho MK, Ford PJ, Glover GH, Kulynych J, Macklin R, Michael DB, Wolf SM: Working Group on Incidental Findings in Brain Imaging Research. Ethics: incidental findings in brain imaging research. Science. 2006, 311: 783-4. 10.1126/science.1124665.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  5. Mirza S, Malik TH, Ahmed A, Willatt DJ, Hughes DG: Incidental findings on magnetic resonance imaging screening for cerebellopontine angle tumours. J Laryngol Otol. 2000, 114 (10): 750-4. 10.1258/0022215001904077.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Katzman GL, Dagher AP, Patronas NJ: Incidental findings on brain magnetic resonance imaging from 1000 asymptomatic volunteers. JAMA. 1999, 282: 36-9. 10.1001/jama.282.1.36.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Yue NC, Longstreth WT, Elster AD, Jungreis CA, O'Leary DH, Poirier VC: Clinically serious abnormalities found incidentally at MR imaging of the brain: data from the Cardiovascular Health Study. Radiology. 1997, 202: 41-6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Jack CR: MR imaging of the brain in epidemiologic research: the Cardiovascular Health Study. Radiology. 1997, 202: 17-9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Meike W, Vernooij MW, Ikram MA, Tanghe HL, Vincent AJ, Hofman A, Krestin GP, Niessen WJ, Breteler MM, van der Lugt A: Incidental Findings on Brain MRI in the General Population. N Engl J Med. 2007, 357: 1821-8. 10.1056/NEJMoa070972.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Sheppard IJ, Milford CAM, Anslow P: MRI in the detection of acoustic neuromas - a suggested protocol for screening. Clin Otol. 1996, 21: 301-4. 10.1111/j.1365-2273.1996.tb01074.x. 20. Renowden SA, Anslow P. The effective use of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of acoustic neuromas. Clin Radiol. 1993 Jul;48(1):25-8

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Allen RW, Harnsberger HR, Shelton C, King B, Bell DA, Miller R, Parkin JL, Apfelbaum RI, Parker D: Low-cost high-resolution fast spin-echo MR of acoustic schwannoma: an alternative to enhanced conventional spin-echo MRI. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 1996, 17 (7): 1205-10.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Fortnum H, O'Neill C, Taylor R, Lenthall R, Nikolopoulos T, Lightfoot G, O'Donoghue G, Mason S, Baguley D, Jones H, Mulvaney C: The role of magnetic resonance imaging in the identification of suspected acoustic neuroma: a systematic review of clinical and cost effectiveness and natural history. Health Technol Assess. 2009, 13 (18): iii-iv. ix-xi, 1-154

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Sone M, Mizuno T, Naganawa S, Nakashima T: Imaging analysis in cases with inflammation-induced sensorineural hearing loss. Acta Otolaryngol. 2009, 129: 239-43. 10.1080/00016480802226163.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Yoshida T, Sugiura M, Naganawa S, Teranishi M, Nakata S, Nakashima T: Three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging findings and prognosis in sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Laryngoscope. 2008, 118 (8): 1433-7. 10.1097/MLG.0b013e318172ef85.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Olivero WC, Lister JR, Elwood PW: The natural history and growth rate of asymptomatic meningiomas: a review of 60 patients. J Neurosurg. 1995, 83 (2): 222-4. 10.3171/jns.1995.83.2.0222.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Nakamura M, Roser F, Michel J, Jacobs C, Samii M: The natural history of incidental meningiomas. Neurosurgery. 2003, 53 (1): 62-70. 10.1227/01.NEU.0000068730.76856.58.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Staneczek W, Janisch W: Epidemiologic data on meningiomas in East Germany 1961-1986: incidence, localization, age and sex distribution. Clin Neuropathol. 1992, 11 (3): 135-41.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Tarp B, Fiirgaard B, Christensen T, Jensen JJ, Black FT: The prevalence and significance of incidental paranasal sinus abnormalities on MRI. Rhinology. 2000, 38 (1): 33-8.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Moser FG, Panush D, Rubin JS, Honigsberg RM, Sprayregen S, Eisig SB: Incidental paranasal sinus abnormalities on MRI of the brain. Clin Radiol. 1991, 43 (4): 252-4. 10.1016/S0009-9260(05)80249-1.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Wani MK, Ruckenstein MJ, Parikh S: Magnetic resonance imaging of the paranasal sinuses: incidental abnormalities and their relationship to patient symptoms. J Otolaryngol. 2001, 30 (5): 257-62. 10.2310/7070.2001.19676.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. McNeill E, O'Hara J, Carrie S: The significance of MRI findings for non-rhinological disease. Clin Otolaryngol. 2006, 31 (4): 292-6. 10.1111/j.1749-4486.2006.01210.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Scahill RI, Frost C, Jenkins R, Whitwell JL, Rossor MN, Fox NC: A longitudinal Study of Brain Volume Changes in Normal Aging using MRI. Arch Neurol. 2003, 60 (7): 989-94. 10.1001/archneur.60.7.989.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Kerber KA, Enrietto JA, Jacobson KM, Baloh RW: Disequilibrium in older people: a prospective study. Neurology. 1998, 51 (2): 574-80.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. de Leeuw FE, de Groot JC, Achten E, Oudkerk M, Ramos LM, Heijboer R, Hofman A, Jolles J, van Gijn J, Breteler MM: Prevalence of cerebral white matter lesions in the elderly people: A population based magnetic resonance imaging study: The Rotterdam Scan Study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2001, 70 (1): 9-14. 10.1136/jnnp.70.1.9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  25. Liao D, Cooper L, Cai J, Toole J, Bryan N, Burke G, Shahar E, Nieto J, Mosley T, Heiss G: The prevalence and severity of white matter lesions, their relationship with age, ethnicity, gender, and cardiovascular disease risk factors: The ARIC Study. Neuroepidemiology. 1997, 16 (3): 149-62.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Manolio TA, Burke GL, O'Leary DH, Evans G, Beauchamp N, Knepper L, Ward B: Relationships of cerebral MRI findings to ultrasonographic carotid atherosclerosis in older adults: The Cardiovascular Health Study. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 1999, 19 (2): 356-65.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. de Leeuw FE, de Groot JC, Oudkerk M, Kors JA, Hofman A, van Gijn J, Breteler MM: Atrial fibrillation and the risk of cerebral white matter lesions. Neurology. 2000, 54 (9): 1795-801.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Liao D, Cooper L, Cai J, Toole J, Bryan N, Burke G, Shahar E, Nieto J, Mosley T, Heiss G: The prevalence and severity of white matter lesions, their relationship with age, ethnicity, gender, and cardiovascular disease risk factors: The ARIC Study. J Neurol. 2000, 247 (4): 291-6. 10.1007/s004150050586.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. de Leeuw FE, de Groot JC, Bots ML, Witteman JC, Oudkerk M, Hofman A, van Gijn J, Breteler MM: Carotid atherosclerosis and cerebral white matter lesions in a population based magnetic resonance imaging study. J Neurol. 2000, 247 (4): 291-6. 10.1007/s004150050586.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Liao D, Cooper L, Cai J, Toole JF, Bryan NR, Hutchinson RG, Tyroler HA: Presence and severity of cerebral white matter lesions and hypertension, its treatment, and its control: The ARIC Study. Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Stroke. 1996, 27 (12): 2262-70.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Havlik RJ, Foley DJ, Sayer B, Masaki K, White L, Launer LJ: Variability in midlife systolic blood pressure is related to late-life brain white matter lesions: The Honolulu Asia Aging Study. Stroke. 2002, 33 (1): 26-30. 10.1161/hs0102.101890.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. de Leeuw FE, de Groot JC, Oudkerk M, Witteman JC, Hofman A, van Gijn J, Breteler MM: A follow-up study of blood pressure and cerebral white matter lesions. Ann Neurol. 1999, 46 (6): 827-33. 10.1002/1531-8249(199912)46:6<827::AID-ANA4>3.0.CO;2-H.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Veldink JH, Scheltens P, Jonker C, Launer LJ: Progression of cerebral white matter hyperintensities on MRI is related to diastolic blood pressure. Neurology. 1998, 51 (1): 319-20.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Joutel A, Corpechot C, Ducros A, Vahedi K, Chabriat H, Mouton P, Alamowitch S, Domenga V, Cécillion M, Marechal E, Maciazek J, Vayssiere C, Cruaud C, Cabanis EA, Ruchoux MM, Weissenbach J, Bach JF, Bousser MG, Tournier-Lasserve E: Notch3 mutations in CADASIL, a hereditary adult-onset condition causing stroke and dementia. Nature. 1996, 383 (6602): 707-10. 10.1038/383707a0.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. de Groot JC, de Leeuw FE, Oudkerk M, van Gijn J, Hofman A, Jolles J, Breteler MM: Cerebral white matter lesions and cognitive function: The Rotterdam Scan Study. Ann Neurol. 2000, 47 (2): 145-51. 10.1002/1531-8249(200002)47:2<145::AID-ANA3>3.0.CO;2-P.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Carmelli D, DeCarli C, Swan GE, Kelly-Hayes M, Wolf PA, Reed T, Guralnik JM: The joint effect of apolipoprotein E epsilon and MRI findings on lower-extremity function and decline in cognitive function. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2000, 55 (2): M103-9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Awad IA, Speltzer RF, Hodak JA, Awad CA, William F, Carey R: Incidental lesions noted on magnetic resonance imaging of the brain: Prevalence and clinical significance in various age groups. Neurosurgery. 1987, 20 (2): 222-7. 10.1227/00006123-198702000-00004.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Yetkin FZ, Haughton VM, Papke RA, Fischer ME, Rao SM: Multiple sclerosis: Specificity of MR for diagnosis. Radiology. 1991, 178: 447-51.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Sinha S, Brown JI: Familial posterior fossa arachnoid cyst. Child Nerv sys. Childs Nerv Syst. 2004, 20 (2): 100-3. 10.1007/s00381-003-0808-z. Epub 2003 Oct 11

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Mazzoni A, Hansen CC: Surgical anatomies of the arteries of the internal auditory canals. Arch Otolaryngol. 1970, 91 (2): 128-35.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Martin R, Grant J, Peace D, Theiss C, Rhoton A: Microsurgical relationships of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery and the facial-vestibulocochlear nerve complex. Neurosurgery. 1980, 6 (5): 483-506. 10.1227/00006123-198005000-00001.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Reisser C, Schuknecht F: The anterior inferior cerebellar artery in the internal auditory canal. Laryngoscope. 1991, 101: 761-6. 10.1288/00005537-199107000-00012.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. van der Steenstraten F, de Ru JA, Witkamp TD: Is microvascular compression of the vestibulocochlear nerve a cause of unilateral hearing loss?. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol. 2007, 116: 248-52.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. McDermott AL, Dutt SN, Irving RM, Pahor AL, Chavda SV: Anterior inferior cerebellar artery syndrome: fact or fiction?. Clin Otolaryngol. 2003, 28: 75-80. 10.1046/j.1365-2273.2003.00662.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Nowe V, De Ridder D, Van de Heyning PH, Wang XL, Gielen J, Van Goethem J, Ozsarlak O, De Schepper AM, Parizel PM: Does the location of a vascular loop in the cerebellopontine angle explain pulsatile and non-pulsatile tinnitus?. Eur Radiol. 2004, 14: 22829-10.1007/s00330-004-2450-x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Makins AE, Nikolopoulos TP, Ludman C, O'Donoghue GM: Is there a correlation between vascular loops and unilateral auditory symptoms?. Am Laryngol Rhinol Otol Soc. 1998, 108: 1739-42.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Herzog JA, Bailey S, Meyer J: Vascular loops of the internal auditory canal: a diagnostic dilemma. Am J Otol. 1997, 18: 26-31.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Shalit MH, Reichenthal E: Anomalous anterior inferior cerebellar artery simulating intracanicular acoustic nerve tumor. Surg Neurol. 1978, 10: 337-39.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Yap L, Pothula VB, Lesser T: Microvascular decompression of cochleovestibular nerve. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2008, 265 (8): 861-69. 10.1007/s00405-008-0647-3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Ryu H, Yamamoto S, Sugiyama K, Nishizawa S, Nozue M: Neurovascular compression syndrome of the eighth cranial nerve. Can the site of compression explain the symptoms?. Acta Neurochir (Wien). 1999, 141 (5): 495-501. 10.1007/s007010050330.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Moller M, Moller A, Jannetta P, Jho H, Sekhar L: Microvascular decompression of the eighth nerve in patients with disabling positional vertigo: selection criteria and operative results in 207 patients. Acta Neurochir. 1993, 125: 75-82. 10.1007/BF01401831.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Pre-publication history

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Academic Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland

    Vasileios Papanikolaou & Ivan J Keogh

  2. Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland

    Vasileios Papanikolaou & Ivan J Keogh

  3. Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

    Mohammad H Khan

Authors
  1. Vasileios Papanikolaou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mohammad H Khan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ivan J Keogh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Vasileios Papanikolaou.

Additional information

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors' contributions

VP and MK carried out the data collection and process and drafted the manuscript. IK conceived, designed and supervised the study. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.

Authors’ original submitted files for images

Rights and permissions

This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Papanikolaou, V., Khan, M.H. & Keogh, I.J. Incidental findings on MRI scans of patients presenting with audiovestibular symptoms. BMC Ear Nose Throat Disord 10, 6 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6815-10-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6815-10-6

Keywords

BMC Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders

ISSN: 1472-6815

Contact us