Internal auditory meatus vascular loops and vestibulocochlear neurovascular contact on MRI: Are they associated with pulsatile tinnitus?

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To compare the presence of internal auditory meatus vascular loops (IVLs) or vestibulocochlear neurovascular contact (CN8-NVC) between unexplained unilateral pulsatile tinnitus (PT) ears and contralateral asymptomatic ears. Furthermore, to investigate whether IVL depth or angulation, or CN8-NVC location is associated with the presence of PT.

Materials and methods

Single-centre retrospective case-controlled study of patients undergoing three-dimensional T2-weighted MRI for unexplained unilateral PT from January 2012 to July 2021. Two blinded observers recorded the presence of IVLs or CN8-NVCs, whilst evaluating IVL depth and angulation. Proportions of ears with IVLs or CN8-NVCs were compared between PT ears and contralateral control ears with McNemar's test. Mann-W

SUBMITTER: Chong ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12559041 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature