Vascular loops in the anterior inferior cerebellar artery, as identified by magnetic resonance imaging, and their relationship with otologic symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
To use magnetic resonance imaging to identify vascular loops in the anterior inferior cerebellar artery and to evaluate their relationship with otologic symptoms.


METHODS
We selected 33 adults with otologic complaints who underwent magnetic resonance imaging at our institution between June and November 2013. Three experienced independent observers evaluated the trajectory of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery in relation to the internal auditory meatus and graded the anterior inferior cerebellar artery vascular loops according to the Chavda classification. Kappa and chi-square tests were used. Values ofp< 0.05 were considered significant.


RESULTS
The interobserver agreement was moderate. Comparing ears that presented vascular loops with those that did not, we found no association with tinnitus, hearing loss, or vertigo. Similarly, we found no association between the Chavda grade and any otological symptom.


CONCLUSIONS
Vascular loops do not appear to be associated with otoneurological manifestations.
PhD, MD, Radiologist in the Grupo Fleury at the Hospital São Luiz/Rede D'Or, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Luiz
L
de Abreu Junior
MD, Radiologist in the Grupo Fleury at the Hospital São Luiz/Rede D'Or, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Cristina Hiromi
CH
Kuniyoshi
PhD, MD, Radiologist in the Grupo Fleury at the Hospital São Luiz/Rede D'Or, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Angela Borri
AB
Wolosker
PhD, MD, Radiologist in the Grupo Fleury at the Hospital São Luiz/Rede D'Or, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Maria Lúcia
ML
Borri
MD, Radiologist at Axial Medicina Diagnóstica, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Augusto
A
Antunes
Biomedical Professional, Postdoctoral Student in the Department of Psychiatry at the Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Vanessa Kiyomi Arashiro
VK
Ota
MD, Radiologist in the Grupo Fleury at the Hospital São Luiz/Rede D'Or, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Daniela
D
Uchida
Arteries/anatomy & histology; Hearing loss; Magnetic resonance imaging; Nerve compression syndromes; Tinnitus; Vertigo