Clinical Value of 3D-FLAIR MRI in Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Background: Three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequence magnetic resonance imaging (3D FLAIR MRI) has been used in the diagnosis of inner ear diseases. However, the relevance of 3D-FLAIR MRI appearances with multiple features and prognosis of patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) remains unclear. Methods: This study was a retrospective trial. We recruited 1300 patients with unilateral ISSNHL hospitalized from May 2017 to January 2019. They were divided into four groups according to their 3D FLAIR MRI appearances: normal (n = 739), inner ear hemorrhage (n = 218), increased protein content (n = 288), and blood-labyrinth barrier damage (n = 55). The correlation between 3D-FLAIR MRI appearances and the degree or type of deafness of the participants was analyzed. Results: There was a statistical difference in the deafness side (p < 0.001) and vestibular dysfunction (p < 0.001) among the four groups. There was a statistical difference in the duration of treatment (p < 0.001) and the incidence of dizziness or vertigo (p < 0.001) for patients among these groups. The degree of deafness in the patients in the inner ear hemorrhage group was significantly more severe than that of the patients in the other three groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: 3D-FLAIR MRI appearances were correlated with the prognosis of patients with ISSNHL.