Relationships between equilibrium testing and MR testing

Abstract

We often encounter patients with isolated vertigo in which the origin cannot be determined. MR testing for this condition has gained widespread use because of the ease with which it detects ischemia in comparison to that on CT. However, it has remained uncertain whether abnormal imaging findings do indeed reflect clinical morbidity. This study investigated the usefulness of MR imaging and ENG for vertebrobasilar circulation disorder and brainstem dyscirculation. Of 157 cases of vertigo, OKP (ENG) findings were abnormal in 59 cases (38%) and ETT (ENG) was abnormal in 79 cases (50%). Abnormal MRI findings were observed in 45 cases (29%) and abnormal MRA findings were seen in 111 cases (71%). X2 test demonstrated a significant relationship between the MRI and OKP or ETT findings and also between the MRA and OKP or ETT findings. We conclude that an infarction and high intensity signal in the pons and cerebellum were definite morbid findings; we also recognize a side- to-side difference in the vertebral artery to indicate ischemia or infarction of the lower pons. We confirmed the utility of MR testing in diagnosis and follow up of head and neck ischemic disease as well as the importance of equilibrium examination.