title: An accurate, cost-effective approach for diagnosing retrocochlear lesions utilizing the T2-weighted, fast-spin echo magnetic resonance imaging scan.
abstract: Recent data indicate that the auditory brainstem response (ABR) fails to identify a significant number of retrocochlear lesions. Although the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan with paramagnetic enhancement is highly accurate at detecting these lesions, it is time consuming and expensive. We report on our prospective evaluation of a cohort of 155 patients who underwent T2-weighted, fast-spin echo MRI scans designed to screen for retrocochlear lesions. This imaging technique is rapidly performed and provides superb visualization of the relevant anatomic structures at a global cost of $475. Four tumors were identified with this technique. Cost analysis indicates that supplanting ABR with this limited MRI may well represent a cost-effective approach for evaluating patients with suspected retrocochlear lesions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163, U.S.A.
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Linker
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Ruckenstein
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Acker
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gardner
mesh_terms: D003051:Cochlea / Q000473:pathology*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000191:economics*; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D011446:Prospective Studies