Detection of acoustic schwannoma: use of constructive interference in the steady state three-dimensional MR.

PURPOSE: To compare constructive interference in the steady state (CISS) three-dimensional Fourier transform (3DFT) MR imaging with contrast-enhanced T1-weighted spin-echo MR imaging for accuracy in detecting acoustic schwannoma.

METHODS: One hundred twenty-five consecutive patients with possible acoustic schwannoma were examined. The accuracy of CISS-3DFT MR imaging in detecting abnormalities of the cerebellopontine angle, the internal auditory canal, and the inner ear was compared with T1-weighted contrast-enhanced spin-echo MR imaging by independent assessment of both image sets by two observers.

RESULTS: The postcontrast T1-weighted MR images revealed 18 cases of unilateral disease of the cerebellopontine angle and/or the internal auditory canal and no case of an abnormal bilateral cerebellopontine angle and/or internal auditory canal. Twelve cases were pathologically proved acoustic schwannomas. One meningioma of the cerebellopontine angle and one metastatic ependymoma to the cerebellopontine angle and the internal auditory canal was encountered. The four remaining cases had a provisional diagnosis of acoustic schwannoma and were scheduled for follow-up imaging and clinical review. Analysis of whether contrast material would have been administered to the appropriate patients (ie, those with disease of the cerebellopontine angle and/or internal auditory canal) according to CISS MR imaging findings revealed a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 98% for observer 1 and a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 94% for observer 2.

CONCLUSION: CISS-3DFT MR imaging, in this patient population, provided high sensitivity and specificity in detecting lesions of the cerebellopontine angle and internal auditory canal; however, further experience is required before a definitive statement regarding the suitability of this technique as a screening procedure can be made. When contrast material cannot be administered, CISS MR imaging may be considered an adequate examination for the evaluation of possible acoustic schwannoma.