title: Incidental findings on magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory meatus performed to investigate audiovestibular symptoms.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the frequency of incidental findings found on magnetic resonance imaging scans of the internal auditory meatus performed to investigate audiovestibular symptoms, and to determine how to best manage these when found.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective review was conducted of internal auditory meatus magnetic resonance imaging scans during a three-month period in the radiology department at a UK district general hospital.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 109 scans were reviewed. Of these, 92.7 per cent showed no retrocochlear pathology, 0.9 per cent showed vestibular schwannoma, 6.4 per cent revealed vascular loops, and 2.8 per cent showed incidental findings that warranted further action and investigation. Of the scans, 40.4 per cent showed other incidental pathologies such as age-related ischaemic changes, and sinus disease that required no further intervention. Of the magnetic resonance imaging scans reviewed, 49.5 per cent were entirely normal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Almost half of the scans investigating audiovestibular symptoms showed incidental findings. Otolaryngologists should have an understanding of the significance of the most commonly encountered incidental findings, and should counsel patients appropriately and refer them onward when necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology,Blackpool Victoria Hospital,UK.
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Htun
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology,Blackpool Victoria Hospital,UK.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Mui
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology,Blackpool Victoria Hospital,UK.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology,Blackpool Victoria Hospital,UK.
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Hans
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003051:Cochlea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
keywords: Audiovestibular Symptoms; Incidental Findings; Internal Auditory Meatus; MRI; Vestibular Schwannoma