Application Analysis of T1WI and T2WI Combined with Delayed Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Technology in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: To analyze the pathophysiological changes in the inner ear in different hearing loss patterns by observing the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and to evaluate the diagnostic value of T1WI/T2WI combined with delayed enhanced intravenous 3D-FLAIR MR technique. Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, we performed T1WI, T2WI, and delayed enhanced intravenous 3D-FLAIR MR in 215 patients with SSNHL. Two radiologists independently assessed the MR image. Patients diagnosed with SSNHL were classified into 4 groups according to the audiogram of hearing loss: low-frequency group, flat audiogram group, high-frequency group, and profound deafness group. The MRI findings were classified into inner ear hemorrhage, endolymphatic hydrops (EH), labyrinthitis, or hemorrhagic labyrinthitis, and statistical analysis was performed. Results: A total of 215 cases (99 males/116 females; aged 46.69 ± 15.06) were included. Patients with the T1WI and T2WI scan accounted for 158 cases, patients with delayed enhancement accounted for 176 cases, and those with T1WI, T2WI, and delayed enhancements accounted for 118 cases. The abnormal MRI results’ rates in the low-frequency group, flat audiogram group, high-frequency group, and profound deafness group were 25.9%, 33.78%, 24.32%, and 97.82%, respectively. The profound deafness group exhibited significantly higher incidences of inner ear hemorrhage (28.26%), labyrinthitis (45.65%), and hemorrhagic labyrinthitis (23.91%) compared to the low-frequency group (0.00%, 6.90%, 0.00%; P < .001), flat audiogram group (2.70%, 13.51%, 1.35%; P < .001), and high-frequency group (5.41%, 13.51%, 0.00%; P < .001). EH were more prevalent in the low-frequency group (18.97%) and flat audiogram group (16.22%) than in the profound deafness group (0.00%; P = .007). Conclusions: MRI technology can show the pathological change process of the inner ear partially, patients with SSNHL may present with labyrinthitis, hemorrhagic labyrinthitis, EH, hemorrhage of the inner ear, which may be interrelated or mutually transformed, and may be related to the severity and prognosis of the disease.
Source: Ear Nose & Throat Journal
Authors: Qingyu Zhang, Yating Wang, Jie Huang
Institution: Nanjing Medical University
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,650
OpenAlex ID: W4415655732