Retrospective blinded review of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with central electronystagmography findings.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging results (MRI) of patients with electronystagmography (ENG) suggestive of central vestibular dysfunction and to determine if MRI abnormalities correlate with ENG findings.


METHODS
Retrospective blinded case review.


METHODS
A regional neurotology center.


METHODS
Patients with ENG suggesting central vestibular dysfunction were identified (n = 30). An age-matched group of patients with normal ENG results were used as controls (n = 28).


METHODS
MRI abnormalities in cerebellum, brain stem, cerebellar peduncles, and central ENG findings.


RESULTS
Twenty-one patients with abnormal MRI results of the vestibular pathway were found, 15 with abnormal and 6 with normal ENG results. MRI correlation with ENG findings has a better predictive value in older patients than in younger patients. Sixteen patients had MRI evidence of vascular compression, seven of whom had abnormal and nine of whom had normal ENG results.


CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that a detailed review of MRI images of the vestibular pathway is warranted, and, in patients with central ENG abnormalities, MRI may support the diagnosis of central vestibular dysfunction. MRI cannot support central vestibular dysfunction caused by vascular compression.
Kinney
W C
WC
Department of Otolaryngology, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio, USA.
Wallace
R C
RC
Ross
J S
JS
Kinney
S E
SE
Hamid
M A
MA
D000328:Adult; D001284:Atrophy / Q000473:pathology; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000473:pathology*; D004584:Electronystagmography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012027:Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular / Q000502:physiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000503:physiopathology*