MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING EVIDENCE OF A FOCAL PONTINE ISCHEMIA IN SUDDEN HEARING LOSS AND SEVENTH NERVE PARALYSIS

摘要

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) has been associated with many etiologies. However, determining the exact cause of SSHL remains elusive. Recent reports have demonstrated the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging in identifying the site of lesion in SSHL. This report presents the case of a 68-year-old male who presented with right-sided SSHL associated with right-sided facial paralysis. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a focal area of increased signal on T2-weighted image within the right inferior pons, suggestive of a postischemic edematous focus. Magnetic resonance imaging is becoming important in establishing the etiology of SSHL. Magnetic resonance imaging findings in cases of hearing loss are discussed.