Three-dimensional heavily T2-weighted FLAIR in the detection of blood-labyrinthine barrier leakage in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss: comparison with T1 sequences and application of deep learning-based reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Blood-labyrinthine barrier leakage has been reported in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). We compared immediate post-contrast 3D heavily T2-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), T1 spin echo (SE), and 3D T1 gradient echo (GRE) sequences, and heavily T2-weighted FLAIR (hvT2F) with and without deep learning-based reconstruction (DLR) in detecting perilymphatic enhancement. METHODS: Fifty-four patients with unilateral SSNHL who underwent ear MRI with three sequences were included. We compared asymmetry scores, confidence scores, and detection rates of perilymphatic enhancement among the three sequences and obtained 3D hvT2F with DLR from 35 patients. The above parameters and subjective image quality between 3D hvT2F with and without DLR were compared. RESULTS: Asymmetry scores and detection rate of 3D hvT2F were significantly higher than 3D GRE T1 and SE T1 (respectively, 1.37, 0.11, 0.19; p < 0.001). Asymmetry scores significantly increased with DLR compared to 3D hvT2F for experienced and inexperienced readers (respectively, 1.77 vs. 1.40, p = 0.036; 1.49 vs. 1.03, p = 0.012). The detection rate significantly increased only for the latter (57.1% vs. 31.4%, p = 0.022). Patients with perilymphatic enhancement had significantly higher air conduction thresholds on initial (77.96 vs. 57.79, p = 0.002) and 5 days after presentation (63.38 vs. 41.85, p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: 3D hvT2F significantly increased the detectability of perilymphatic enhancement compared to 3D GRE T1 and SE T1. DLR further improved the conspicuity of perilymphatic enhancement in 3D hvT2F. 3D hvT2F and DLR are useful for evaluating blood-labyrinthine barrier leakage; furthermore, they might provide prognostic value in the early post-treatment period. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Ten-minute post-contrast 3D heavily T2-weighed FLAIR imaging is a potentially efficacious sequence in demonstrating perilymphatic enhancement in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss and may be further improved by deep learning-based reconstruction. KEY POINTS: • 3D heavily T2-weighted FLAIR (3D hvT2F) is a sequence sensitive in detecting low concentrations of contrast in the perilymphatic space. • 3D hvT2F sequences properly demonstrated perilymphatic enhancement in sudden sensorineural hearing loss compared to T1 sequences and were further improved by deep learning-based reconstruction (DLR). • 3D hvT2F and DLR are efficacious sequences in detecting blood-labyrinthine barrier leakage and with potential prognostic information.

Sudden Hearing Loss and Vertigo With Silent Pontine Infarction: A Case Report.

Most cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) occur without a specific identifiable cause, although vascular factors may serve as potential etiological contributors. Silent infarction refers to ischemic changes observed on imaging studies without accompanying clinical symptoms; however, this condition is clinically significant owing to the increased risk of future stroke. We report a case of left-sided SSNHL accompanied by dizziness in a 62-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with left pontine infarction without any other neurological symptoms. The cochlea and pons receive blood supply from the anterior inferior cerebellar artery; the cochlea lacks collateral vessels and is therefore susceptible to fluctuations in blood flow. This case report provides evidence to support the vascular hypothesis as the etiology underlying SSNHL.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment in children: experience in 329 patients.

Introduction: Paediatric patients, like adults, may undergo hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) in both life-threatening situations and chronic diseases. There are particular challenges associated with managing paediatric patients for HBOT. This paper documents the indications, results, complications, and difficulties that occur during HBOT for a large cohort of paediatric patients and compares them with adult data in the literature. Methods used to reduce these difficulties and complications in children are also discussed. Methods: This was a 15-year retrospective review of paediatric patients treated with HBOT at two hyperbaric centres. Between January 2006 and June 2021, patients under the age of 18 who received at least one session of HBOT were included. Results: Three hundred and twenty-nine paediatric patients underwent a total of 3,164 HBOT exposures. Two-hundred and fifty-four patients (77.2%) completed treatment as planned and 218 (66.5%) achieved treatment goals without complications. Two patients treated for carbon monoxide poisoning exhibited neurological sequelae. Amputation was performed in one patient with limb ischaemia. Middle ear barotrauma events occurred in five treatments. No central nervous system oxygen toxicity was recorded during the treatments. Conclusions: This patient series indicates that HBOT can be safely performed in pediatric patients with low complication rates by taking appropriate precautions. The cooperation of hyperbaric medicine physicians and other physicians related to paediatric healthcare is important in order for more patients to benefit from this treatment. When managing intubated patients an anaesthesiologist may need to participate in the treatment in order to perform necessary interventions.

Hearing recovery prediction and prognostic factors of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a retrospective analysis with a deep neural network model.

OBJECTIVE: Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (ISSHL) is an otologic emergency, and an early prediction of prognosis may facilitate proper treatment. Therefore, we investigated the prognostic factors for predicting the recovery in patients with ISSHL treated with combined treatment method using machine learning models. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 298 patients with ISSHL at a tertiary medical institution between January 2015 and September 2020. Fifty-two variables were analyzed to predict hearing recovery. Recovery was defined using Siegel's criteria, and the patients were categorized into recovery and non-recovery groups. Recovery was predicted by various machine learning models. In addition, the prognostic factors were analyzed using the difference in the loss function. RESULTS: There were significant differences in variables including age, hypertension, previous hearing loss, ear fullness, duration of hospital admission, initial hearing level of the affected and unaffected ears, and post-treatment hearing level between recovery and non-recovery groups. The deep neural network model showed the highest predictive performance (accuracy, 88.81%; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.9448). In addition, initial hearing level of affected and non-affected ear, post-treatment (2-weeks) hearing level of affected ear were significant factors for predicting the prognosis. CONCLUSION: The deep neural network model showed the highest predictive performance for recovery in patients with ISSHL. Some factors with prognostic value were identified. Further studies using a larger patient population are warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

The mediating effect of self-regulation fatigue between acceptance of hearing impairment and work withdrawal behavior in young and middle-aged patients with sudden deafness / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the mediating effect of self-regulation fatigue between acceptance of hearing impairment and work withdrawal behavior in young and middle-aged patients with sudden deafness, so as to provide reference for the formulation of intervention measures for job withdrawal behavior.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted to facilitate the selection of 326 young and middle-aged patients with sudden deafness who were treated in the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University of the Chinese PLA from February 2021 to January 2022. The survey was carried out by general information questionnaire, the Revised Acceptance Disability Scale, the Self-Regulatory Fatigue Scale, and the Work Withdrawal Behavior Scale. Structural equation model method was used to analyze the mediating effect.Results:The acceptance of hearing impairment score in young and middle-aged patients with sudden deafness was (59.82 ± 10.99) points, the self-regulation fatigue score was (60.38 ± 8.84) points, and the work withdrawal behavior score was (39.06 ± 6.51) points. Self-regulation fatigue was negatively correlated with acceptance of hearing impairment ( r=-0.541, P<0.01). Work withdrawal behavior was negatively correlated with acceptance of hearing impairment ( r=-0.488, P<0.01), and was positively correlated with self-regulation fatigue ( r=0.587, P<0.01). Self-regulation fatigue played a partial mediating effect between the acceptance of hearing impairment and work withdrawal in young and middle-aged patients with sudden deafness, and the mediating effect ratio was 56.30%. Conclusions:The acceptance of hearing impairment can not only directly affect the work withdrawal behavior of young and middle-aged patients with sudden deafness, but also indirectly affect their work withdrawal behavior through self-regulation fatigue. Medical staff should pay attention to the internal relationship between the acceptance of hearing impairment, self-regulation fatigue and work withdrawal behaviors, so as to improve the acceptance of hearing impairment of patients, relieve their self-regulation fatigue, and avoid the occurrence of work withdrawal behaviors.

Hearing recovery prediction and prognostic factors of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a retrospective analysis with a deep neural network model

Abstract Objective Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (ISSHL) is an otologic emergency, and an early prediction of prognosis may facilitate proper treatment. Therefore, we investigated the prognostic factors for predicting the recovery in patients with ISSHL treated with combined treatment method using machine learning models. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 298 patients with ISSHL at a tertiary medical institution between January 2015 and September 2020. Fifty-two variables were analyzed to predict hearing recovery. Recovery was defined using Siegel's criteria, and the patients were categorized into recovery and non-recovery groups. Recovery was predicted by various machine learning models. In addition, the prognostic factors were analyzed using the difference in the loss function. Results There were significant differences in variables including age, hypertension, previous hearing loss, ear fullness, duration of hospital admission, initial hearing level of the affected and unaffected ears, and post-treatment hearing level between recovery and non-recovery groups. The deep neural network model showed the highest predictive performance (accuracy, 88.81%; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.9448). In addition, initial hearing level of affected and non-affected ear, post-treatment (2-weeks) hearing level of affected ear were significant factors for predicting the prognosis. Conclusion The deep neural network model showed the highest predictive performance for recovery in patients with ISSHL. Some factors with prognostic value were identified. Further studies using a larger patient population are warranted. Level of evidence: Level 4.

[Relationship between sudden sensorineural hearing loss and facial auditory nerve and anterior inferior cerebellar artery vascular loop in the internal auditory tract MRI].

Objective:To investigate the correlation between the facial auditory nerve and anterior inferior cerebellar artery vascular loop in MRI of the internal auditory meatus and idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Methods:This retrospective study enrolled 144 patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss（SSNHL）（experimental group） and 36 healthy subjects with 72 ears（control group）, who attended the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the 940th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Unit of the Chinese PLA from January, 2019 to January, 2021. The magnetic resonance imaging（MRI） data of the internal auditory meatus and clinical data were collected and compared between the two groups. Results:The distance between the auditory nerve and the peripheral vessels in the unilateral SSNHL-affected ear was significantly different from that in the contralateral ears and that in the healthy ears of the control group （P<0.05）. The distance between the auditory nerve and the peripheral vessels in both ear affected by bilateral SSNHL was significantly different from that in the healthy ears of the control group （P<0.05）. There was no significant difference in radiological grading of vascular loops between the ears affected by unilateral SSNHL and the contralateral ears and the healthy ear of the control group （P>0.05）. No statistically significant differences in radiological grading of vascular loops were found between both ears with bilateral SSNHL and the healthy ears in the control group（P>0.05）. The severity of hearing loss, audiometric configuration, radiological grading of vascular loops and the distance between the facial auditory nerve and peripheral vessels were not significantly different between the affected ears in unilateral SSNHL and both ears in bilateral SSNHL （P>0.05）. Conclusion:SSNHL is associated with the distance between the auditory nerve and the nearest peripheral vessel. SSNHL may occur when the vessel compresses the auditory nerve.

Probability of clinically significant hearing recovery following salvage intratympanic steroids for sudden sensorineural hearing loss in the 'real world'.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the probability of hearing recovery in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss following salvage intratympanic steroids. METHOD: A retrospective review of all patients receiving salvage intratympanic steroid injections for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss was performed (January 2014 to December 2019). Twenty-two patients were identified, of whom 15 met inclusion criteria. Pre- and post-treatment audiograms were compared with the unaffected ear. Hearing recovery was categorised based on American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery criteria. RESULTS: Only 1 patient out of 15 (6.7 per cent) made a partial recovery, and the remainder were non-responders. The median duration of time between symptom onset and first salvage intratympanic steroid treatment was 52 days (range, 14-81 days). No adverse reactions were observed. CONCLUSION: 'Real world' patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss present differently to those in the literature. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss should be diagnosed with care and intratympanic steroid injections initiated early if considered appropriate. Patients should make an informed decision on treatment based on prognostic factors and local success rates.

Clinical features and prognosis of severe-to-profound sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

PURPOSE: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otologic emergency. Despite multiple efforts to clarify the factors affecting the prognosis of severe-to-profound SSNHL, various studies showed inconsistent results and lack of clinical significance. Therefore, we examined the clinical features and outcomes of severe-to-profound SSNHL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included patients who experienced SSNHL between 2018 and 2021 and were diagnosed according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery criteria; hearing loss over 70 dB on initial pure tone audiometry (PTA) was used to define severe-to-profound SSNHL. We retrospectively examine the demographic, laboratory, radiologic, and audiometric data of SSNHL patients. We also evaluated the final hearing gain of these patients by assessing their PTA findings and word-recognition scores. RESULTS: Of the 178 patients, 94 (52.81%) and 84 (47.19%) showed profound (>90 dB) and severe (>70 to 90 dB) hearing loss, respectively. The presence of vertigo and hypertension differed significantly between the severe and profound groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively), as did the initial serum creatinine level (p = 0.043). Recovery in PTA showed a reliable correlation with the interval between onset and treatment in the severe group and periventricular white-matter findings in the profound group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively). The presence of hypertension was related to recovery of low tone (p = 0.023 for 250 Hz; p = 0.034 for 500 Hz), while glycated hemoglobin level was related to recovery of high tone in the severe group (p = 0.049 for 4000 Hz; p = 0.047 for 8000 Hz). CONCLUSIONS: Severe-to-profound SSNHL showed poor prognosis for hearing gain. The interval from onset to treatment was a significant prognostic factor for severe SSNHL, while the presence of vertigo, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and periventricular white-matter findings were significant prognostic factors for profound SSNHL.

Effects of deafness capsule combined with vinpocetine injection on hearing function, hemorheology and T lymphocyte subsets in patients with sudden deafness / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of deafness capsule combined with vinpocetine injection on hearing function, hemorheology and T lymphocyte subsets in patients with sudden deafness.Methods:Eighty patients with sudden deafness who received treatment in Wenzhou Central Hospital from April 2017 to October 2019 were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to undergo treatment either with vinpocetine injection (control group, n = 40) or with deafness capsule combined with vinpocetine injection (observation group, n = 40) for 1 month. Efficacy, hearing function, hemorheology, T lymphocyte subsets and adverse reactions were compared between the control and observation groups. Results:Total response rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [90.00% (36/40) vs. 67.50% (27/40), χ2 = 6.050, P = 0.014). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups ( P > 0.05). After 1 month of treatment, plasma viscosity, high-shear whole blood viscosity, low-shear whole blood viscosity in the observation group were (1.21 ± 0.29) mPa·s, (2.41 ± 0.31) mPa·s, (5.25 ± 1.29) mPa·s respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(1.65 ± 0.22) mPa·s, (4.94 ± 0.36) mPa·s, (8.64 ± 1.32) mPa·s, t = 7.64, 33.68, 11.61, all P < 0.001). The percentages of CD 8+, CD 4+, and CD 4+/CD 8+ T lymphocyte subsets in the observation group were (24.28 ± 2.16)%, (46.05 ± 6.52)% and (1.90 ± 0.28) respectively, and they were (27.41 ± 2.09)%, (40.54 ± 5.48)%, (1.48 ± 0.24) respectively in the control group ( t = 6.58, 4.09, 7.20, all P < 0.001). Pure tone threshold in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(38.07 ± 4.82) dB vs. (51.97 ± 5.96) dB, t = 11.46, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Deafness capsule combined with vinpocetine injection is highly effective on sudden deafness. The combined therapy can improve the hearing function, hemorheology, and the immunological function of T lymphocyte subsets in patients with sudden deafness.

A Case of Idiopathic Sequential Profound Bilateral Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Occurring 37 Days After Unilateral Presentation.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a common disorder; however, sequential, bilateral presentation of the disease is rarer than unilateral presentation. Clinical otologists usually focus on treating the side with impaired hearing when patients first present with unilateral SSNHL, and therefore, may not warn patients of the possibility of subsequent hearing impairment in the contralateral ear. Furthermore, it is professionally discouraging when a patient presents with profound, sequential SSNHL after initial treatment. This may adversely impact the doctor-patient relationship, even if the patient is offered the best possible care from their first visit. Herein, we report the case of a patient with profound, idiopathic, bilateral SSNHL with a time interval of 37 days between involvement of both ears. Even though high-dose steroids were administered intraorally and intratympanically, the patient's hearing was not restored, and the patient eventually required bilateral cochlear implant surgery. Our report demonstrates that sequential, profound, bilateral SSNHL may manifest without any specific signs.

Hyperbaric oxygen for sudden hearing loss: Influence of international guidelines on practice in Australia and New Zealand.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) is an otolaryngologic emergency. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Society (UHMS) revised practice guidelines in 2014 adding ISSHL to approved indications. This study investigated whether the UHMS guidelines influenced referral and practice in Australia and New Zealand. METHODS: Retrospective review of 319 patient referrals in two time periods (five years prior to addition of ISSHL to indications (T-PRE) and three years post (T-POST)). RESULTS: Seven of eight participating hyperbaric facilities provided data down to the level of the indication for HBOT for analysis. In T-PRE 136 patients were treated with HBOT for ISSHL, representing between 0% and 18% of the total cases to each facility. In the T-POST period 183 patients were treated for ISSHL, representing from 0.35% to 24.8% of the total patients in each facility. Comparison between the two periods shows the proportion of patients treated with ISSHL among all indications increased from 3.2% to 12.1% (P < 0.0009). One facility accounted for 74% (101/136) of ISSHL patients receiving HBOT in T-PRE and 63% (116/183) in T-POST. ISSHL case load at that facility increased from 18% to 24.8% (P = 0.009) after the UHMS guideline publication. Three of the seven units had a significant increase in referrals after the guideline change. CONCLUSION: There remains equipoise regarding HBOT in the management of ISSHL. Only three out of seven units had a significant increase in ISSHL patients after the UHMS guidelines publication. Without well controlled RCTs to develop guidelines based on good evidence this is unlikely to change and practice variation will continue.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss with rheumatoid arthritis].

Objective:To analyze the clinical features and prognosis of sudden sensorineural hearing loss（SSNHL） with rheumatoid arthritis（RA）, and evaluate the effect of the course of RA on the hearing recovery. Methods:We collected the clinical data of 43 SSNHL patients（46 ears） with RA（RA group） who were hospitalized in our hospital, and compared their clinical characteristics and prognosis with 386 SSNHL patients（400 ears） without RA（non-RA group）. 43 SSNHL patients with RA were further grouped into <5 years group, 5-10 years group and >10 years group, and the hearing recovery was compared among three groups. Results:In the RA group, the initial pure tone average（PTA） of SSNHL and non-SSNHL ears were （64.53±12.77） dB HL and （31.28±8.53） dB HL, which were higher than those in the non-RA group（54.31±13.45） dB HL and（24.83±6.06） dB HL（P<0.05）. After treatment, in the RA group, posttreatment PTA of SSNHL and non-SSNHL ears were （48.26±13.49） dB HL and （27.93±10.22） dB HL, which were higher than those in the non-RA group （33.65±9.22） dB HL and （21.86±6.88） dB HL（P<0.05）, and the hearing gains of SSNHL ear and the rate of overall recovery were （16.27±6.01） dB HL and 52.17%, which were lower than those in the non-RA group （20.66±6.21） dB HL and 75.00%. No statistic difference was observed in the hearing gains of non-SSNHL ear between the two groups（P>0.05）. The hearing gains in the <5 years group, 5-10 years group and >10 years group were （20.77±8.63） dB HL, （17.00±6.81） dB HL and （11.94±5.73） dB HL, statistic differences were observed among the three groups（P=0.010）, but no statistic difference was observed in the rate of complete recovery, marked recovery, recovery and no recovery（P>0.05）. Conclusion:SSNHL patients with RA often suffers a severe hearing loss, and the hearing recovery is poor. The longer the course of RA, the worse the prognosis.

T2 relaxation time shortening in the cochlea of patients with sudden sensory neuronal hearing loss: a retrospective study using quantitative synthetic magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVES: High cochlear signal intensity on three-dimensional (3D) T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) has been reported. Here, we evaluated the cochlear T2 relaxation time differences in patients with idiopathic SSNHL using quantitative synthetic MRI (SyMRI). METHODS: Twenty-four patients with unilateral SSNHL who underwent precontrast conventional 3D FLAIR and SyMRI were retrospectively included. T1 and T2 relaxation times and the proton density (PD) of the bilateral ears were measured by manually drawn regions of interest. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and intra- and interobserver correlation analyses were performed. Qualitative analysis was also performed to determine the presence and laterality of the asymmetric high signal intensity on synthetic FLAIR (SyFLAIR) images. RESULTS: The T2 relaxation time was significantly lower in the affected (basal and apico-middle turns) than in the unaffected cochlea (basal turn: 519 ± 181.3 vs. 608.8 ± 203.6, p = 0.042; apico-middle turn: 410.8 ± 163.8 vs. 514.5 ± 186.3, p = 0.037). There were no significant differences in the T1 relaxation time and PD between the affected and unaffected ears (p > 0.05). Additionally, three patients without asymmetric signal intensity on conventional MRI showed asymmetric increased signal intensity in the affected ear on SyFLAIR. CONCLUSIONS: The T2 relaxation time was significantly shorter in the affected than in the unaffected cochlea of patients with idiopathic SSNHL. The SyMRI-derived T2 relaxation time may be a promising imaging marker, suggesting that the changes in inner ear fluid composition are implicated in the idiopathic SSNHL development. KEY POINTS: • T2 relaxation time was significantly lower in the affected than in the unaffected cochlea. • SyFLAIR showed increased lesion conspicuity compared to conventional 3D-FLAIR in detecting asymmetric high signal intensity of the affected side. • SyMRI-derived T2 relaxation time may be a promising imaging marker of the affected ear in patients with idiopathic SSNHL.

Multi-parameter MRI signal analysis of labyrinth in patients with sudden deafness / 中华放射学杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical application value of each sequence by analyzing the characteristics of labyrinthine signal on MRI in patients with unilateral sudden deafness.Methods:Totally 52 patients of unilateral sudden deafness with inner ear MRI were analyzed retrospectively at Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2016 to July 2019, all of which could find abnormalities in the labyrinth, including 17 cases of plain scan and 35 cases of enhanced scan, with sequences including plain T 1WI, enhanced T 1WI, plain and enhanced delayed 3D fluid attenuation inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR). The affected labyrinthine signal characteristics of each sequence were analyzed and the involvement sites were judged. The ability of each sequence to show labyrinthine abnormal signal was evaluated and scored. The Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed rank sum test were used to compare the subjective scores of the ability to show labyrinthine high signal in different sequences in plain and enhanced patients, respectively. Fisher′s exact probability method was used to analyze the relationship between the affected sites and the recovery of hearing, tinnitus and vertigo symptoms. Results:Fifty-two patients (100%, 52/52) showed labyrinthine high signal on T 1WI, 8 (15.4%, 8/52) showed higher signal and 3 (5.8%, 3/52) showed low signal on T 2WI. Thirty-five (100%, 35/35) showed high signal on enhanced T 1WI, among which 27 had enhancement (77.1%, 27/35). Fifty-two (100%, 52/52) showed significant high signal of the affected labyrinth on 3D-FLAIR (17 plain scan, 35 enhanced scan). The scores were 2 (2, 2), 3 (2, 3), 3 (3, 4) and 4 (4, 4) of T 1WI, enhanced T 1WI, plain and enhanced 3D-FLAIR respectively. The overall difference in subjective scores of plain T 1WI, enhanced T 1WI and enhanced 3D-FLAIR in enhanced patients was statistically significant (χ2=64.528, P<0.001), and the comparison between the two was statistically different (all corrected P<0.05). The plain 3D-FLAIR score was higher than the plain T 1WI in patients with a statistically significant difference ( Z=-3.729, P<0.001). Twenty-seven cases (51.9%, 27/52) exhibited high signal at the ampulla of semicircular canals, with a statistically significant difference in the distribution of hearing recovery or not ( P=0.001). Conclusions:Both T 1WI and 3D-FLAIR sequences can effectively identify the labyrinthine high signal, but the latter was better than the former of its ability to display, especially delayed enhanced 3D-FLAIR. The high signal at the ampulla of semicircular canals was a characteristic predictor of non-recovery of hearing.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss and ischemic stroke / 国际脑血管病杂志

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) refers to the sudden and unexplained sensorineural hearing loss within 72 h and a decrease in hearing of ≥30 dB affecting at least 3 consecutive frequencies. It is one of the common emergencies in neurology and otolaryngology. Early etiological evaluation and systematic and targeted treatment are very important for delaying the progression of SSNHL and restoring hearing. Recent studies have shown that SSNHL overlaps with vascular risk factors of ischemic stroke, and may predict the risk of ischemic stroke. SSNHL may be one of the clinical manifestation and even the prodromal symptoms of ischemic stroke, especially the infarction of the blood supply area of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery or its branch internal auditory artery. Although these factors can not fully reveal the relationship between SSNHL and ischemic stroke, they are enough to warn clinicians that they should consider the possibility of ischemic stroke when receiving patients with SSNHL. Screening of vascular risk factors for patients with SSNHL as early as possible is helpful to avoid the risk of recurrence of ischemic stroke.

[Quantitative study of T1 weighted imaging labyrinthine high signal ratio based on magnetic resonance imaging in patients with unilateral sudden deafness accompanied by vertigo and tinnitus].

Objective: To explore the value of speculating etiology of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T1 weighted imaging (T1WI) labyrinthine high signal ratio in patients with unilateral sudden deafness accompanied by vertigo and tinnitus and its relationship with hearing prognosis. Methods: Fifty-two patients with unilateral sudden deafness accompanied by vertigo and tinnitus who were admitted to Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2016 to July 2019 were collected, including 27 males and 25 females, aged (47.7±15.1) years. The inner ear MRI data of 52 patients (17 plain scan, 35 enhanced scan) with unilateral sudden deafness were retrospectively analyzed. Two radiologists independently measured the labyrinthine high signal intensity of the affected side and the contralateral normal side on T1WI and enhanced T1WI and calculated the signal ratio (the normal labyrinth signal was subtracted from the affected signal and then divided by the normal signal). The etiology of the enhanced group was judged based on two methods, including whether the abnormal high signal was enhanced or not (unenhancement indicated hemorrhage and enhancement indicated inflammation), and the locations of labyrinthine involvement on enhanced three-dimensional fluid attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) (inflammation usually involved the perilymph spaces, while hemorrhage involved the perilymph and endolymph spaces). In the plain group, the locations of labyrinthine involvement on 3D-FLAIR was applied to infer the potential etiology. Results: The two methods presumed that 8 cases might be hemorrhage (22.9%, 8/35) and 27 be inflammation (77.1%, 27/35) in the enhanced group, which had a high consistency, while it was speculated that 7 patients might be hemorrhage (7/17) and 10 patients be inflammation (10/17) in the plain group. The measurement results of the two radiologists were highly consistent within and between the groups [the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values were greater than 0.800]. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of the T1WI high signal ratio in the enhanced group for speculating etiology was 0.949 (P<0.01), when the predictive threshold value was 0.467, with a sensitivity of 96.3% and a specificity of 87.5%. It might be hemorrhage when the ratio was higher than the threshold value, otherwise it was inflammation. The T1WI labyrinthine high signal ratio was higher in the hemorrhage group than that of the inflammation group, and the hearing prognosis was worse (all P<0.05). The T1WI labyrinthine high signal ratio of the unrecovered group was higher than that of the recovered group (P=0.034). Conclusions: The etiology of labyrinthine high signal formation can be inferred by quantitative values combined with the involved sites. The high signal in the labyrinth indicates poor hearing prognosis, the higher the signal intensity, the greater the possibility of hemorrhage and the worse the hearing prognosis.

[Characteristics of endolymphatic hydrops in low frequency descent sudden hearing loss].

Objective: To investigate the correlation between the clinical features of low-frequency sudden deafness and endolymphatic hydrops on gadolinium contrast in the inner ear. Methods: From July 2019 to January 2020, adult patients with unilateral low-frequency sudden deafness who were hospitalized in the outpatient clinic or ward of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University were selected and examined by audiology and gadolinium magnetic resonance (MR) angiography of inner ear. The same treatment plan was given, and the curative effect was recorded and followed up for more than 3 months. SPSS 20.0 software was used to analyze the correlation between the accompanying symptoms, deafness, and endolymphatic hydrops. Results: A total of 48 patients were included in the study, including 18 males and 30 females. The age ranged from 21 to 52 (37.3±10.0) years. All of them were unilateral, including 28 cases of left ear and 20 cases of right ear. The course of the disease was less than 2 weeks in all cases. The endolymphatic hydrops group included 14 cases, including vestibular hydrocele (6 cases), cochlear hydrops (2 cases), and cochlear and vestibular hydrops (6 cases). The incidence of dizziness in the endolymphatic hydrops group was higher than that in the non-hydrops group (6/14 vs 0/34, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in hearing values between the two groups at 125, 250, 500, 4 000 and 8 000 Hz (all P>0.05). The hearing in the endolymphatic hydrops group was worse than that in the non-hydrops group at 1 000 and 2 000 Hz. Conclusion: Compared with those without endolymphatic hydrops, patients with hydrops tend to have a higher incidence of dizziness, worse hearing at 1 000 and 2 000 Hz, and a worse prognosis.

[Analysis of prognostic factors of low-frequency type of sudden sensorineural hearing loss].

Objective: To investigate the prognostic factors of patients with low-frequency type of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: From February 2017 to February 2019, adult patients with unilateral low-frequency type of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in Department of Otological Medicine, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University were selected. All patients were examined by audiology, vestibular function evaluation, imaging examination and serum thyroid function test; the same treatment program was given, the curative effect was recorded and followed up for more than 3 months. SPSS 20.0 software was used to analyze concomitant symptoms (tinnitus, ear tightness, echo, rotatory vertigo), degree of deafness, inducement of deafness, basic disease, vestibular function (caloric test), electrocochleogram, inner ear gadolinium enhanced MRI radiography and thyroid function on prognosis of patients. Results: Among the 155 patients, 76 cases were cured (49.0%), 1 case was markedly effective (0.6%), 19 cases were effective (12.3%), and 59 cases were ineffective (38.1%). The total effective rate was 61.9%. Among them, 24 cases (15.5%) had hearing fluctuations during follow-up, and 1 case (0.6%) developed Meniere's disease. Univariate analysis showed that vestibular function, electrocochleogram and inner ear MRI were correlated with prognosis. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that ear tightness, vestibular function, electrocochleogram and inner ear MRI were correlated with the prognosis of the patients. The two analyses showed that tinnitus, echo, rotational vertigo, degree of deafness, predisposing factors and underlying diseases were not significantly correlated with the prognosis of the patients (all P>0.05). Rotational vertigo was closely related to gender, and women had a high incidence. There was a significant correlation between the degree of deafness and prognosis in patients with course of less than 1 week (P<0.05). The abnormal rate of vestibular function in patients with course of disease ≤ 1 week was significantly different from that>1-≤2 and>2-≤4 weeks (P<0.05). The rate of abnormal thyroid function was significantly higher than that of normal people (P<0.05), but there was no significant correlation between thyroid dysfunction and hearing prognosis (χ(2)=0.009, P=0.923) . Conclusions: The prognosis of low-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss is not related to clinical symptoms, inducements, underlying diseases and serological abnormalities of thyroid function, but the degree of deafness is positively related to the prognosis within 1 week from onset. Abnormal thyroid function is one of the risk factors of happening with low-frequency descending sudden deafness. Abnormal vestibular caloric test, electrocochleogram and endolymph hydrops are the factors of poor prognosis.