Correlation between microvascular compression (MVC) in the internal auditory canal and inner ear hydrops

Introduction Microvascular compression (MVC) of the N.vestibularis in the IAC by an AICA loop is discussed to mimic Menieres disease or even to cause Menieres disease. Menieres disease hydrops can be visualized by an MRI Gad sequence. Part of this MRI sequening is an T2 observation of the IAC vascular state. This sequence allows the evaluation for a MVC.

The aim of the present study was to observe the correlation between the occurence of a microvascular pattern indicating MVC and a hydropic pattern of the inner ear.

Methods We evaluated 70 patients with Menieres disease (AAO HNS 1995) and an MRI Gad scan for the evaluation of hydropic ear disease. In parrallel to this sequence a T2 3D Drive sequence was performed and evaluated for an AICA loop. Criterium for an MVC was a local dislocation of the N.vestibularis by the loop.

Results In 4 out of 70 cases a hydropic MRI pattern and a MVC occured in the same patient. But in all of these four cases the MVC was observed on the opposite side of the hydropic pattern.

Conclusion We observed in our series no direct correlation between MVC and hydropic ear disease. This finding lets us assume that MVC and Menieres disease are not or are very rarely correlated. A further evaluation of MVC positive cases for hydropic ear disease is needed.

Poster-PDF A-1733.pdf

Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2021