Are Vestibulocochlear Symptoms Associated with the Course of Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery: Evaluation by Two MRI-based Classifications
Sercin Ozkok1, Fatma Uysal11Department of Radiology, Canakkale Onsekız Mart University, Training and Research Hospital, Canakkale, Turkey
Objectives: The association of the compression of vestibulocochlear nerve by anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) and vestibulocochlear symptoms is controversial. We aimed to investigate the possible role of the compression of vestibulocochlear nerve by AICA loop on vestibulocochlear symptoms and to evaluate by two mostly used MRI-based classifications . Methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 358 consecutive patients with either tinnitus or hearing loss in any ear and 22 healthy controls without symptoms were enrolled. The anatomical relationship between AICA and vestibulocochlear nerve in bilateral cerebellopontine cisterns was evaluated in axial 3D-FIESTA sequence. Results: According to both MRI classifications, the group without vascular loops was the most common MRI feature in patients with tinnitus and hearing loss. When ears with and without tinnitus and hearing loss were compared in terms of vascular loop findings on MRI, no significant difference was found. Conclusion: Relationship between vestibulocochlear nerve and AICA loop were not found to be associated with vestibulocochlear symptoms when evaluated by two MRI-based classifications. Treatment decisions for vascular compression syndrome should not be based on radiologic findings alone. Possible effects of AICA on vestibulocochlear nerve should be investigated in further prospective randomized studies. Key words: Anterior inferior cerebellar artery, vestibulocochlear nerve, magnetic resonance imaging
Cite This Article
Ozkok S, Uysal F. Are Vestibulocochlear Symptoms Associated with the Course of Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery: Evaluation by Two MRI-based Classifications. EJMI. 2022; 6(1): 90-96
Corresponding Author: Sercin Ozkok