The investigation of acoustic neuroma.
Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance (GdMR) is the long awaited, easy and definitive investigation for imaging or excluding small acoustic neuromas. However, on the grounds of cost alone it is unrealistic to submit every patient with mild unilateral sensorineural deafness to GdMR. A screening regime is described which combines simple but effective imaging studies of the internal auditory meatus with clinical testing of vestibular function and objective audiometry. The 'two out of three positive' approach based on these tests has proved to be a reliable screening regime for selecting patients for GdMR.
Clifton
A G
AG
Department of Radiology, Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London.
Phelps
P D
PD
Lloyd
G A
GA
D001300:Audiometry, Evoked Response; D002150:Caloric Tests; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005682:Gadolinium; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D000159:Vestibulocochlear Nerve / Q000473:pathology*
D005682:Gadolinium