Correlation between Histopathology and Signal Loss on Spin-Echo T2-Weighted MR Images of the Inner Ear: Distinguishing Artifacts from Anatomy.

Small foci of signal loss within the inner ear vestibule on T2-weighted spin-echo images correlate with anatomic structures, including the lateral semicircular canal crista and the utricular macula. More posterior intensity variations in the endolymphatic space are likely artifacts, potentially representing fluid flow within the endolymph caused by magneto-hydrodynamic Lorentz forces.