Authors' recommendations: This preliminary report presents the evidence for the early detection of AN using MRI or other comparative diagnostic techniques in patients with ASNHL, albeit without critical appraisal. It appears there is a significant clinical argument to support the routine use of MRI. The test has been reported to have high sensitivity and specificity, higher than that of the ABR test. However, the widespread use of MRI in this patient population is problematic due to the high cost per diagnosis of AN (attributed to the high cost of MRI and low incidence rate of AN in ASNHL presenting patients), and issues surrounding accessibility to MRI equipment. Most papers suggest a protocol or guidelines be implemented to help select patients for MRI screening. However this approach accepts that there is a trade-off between cost efficiency, and the risk of missing some tumours.As mentioned previously there is a systematic review due for publication by the NIHR in April 2009 titled: ‘The role of magnetic resonance imaging in the identification of suspected acoustic neuroma: systematic review of clinical and cost effectiveness, and natural history’ Alternatively a full systematic review could be considered on the use of MRI in screening patients with ASNHL for the early detection of AN.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.healthsac.net/downloads/publications/HSAC22_Screening_for_%20AN_260309_FINAL.pdf

Year Published: 2009

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: New Zealand

Organisation Name: Health Services Assessment Collaboration

Contact Address: University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand

Contact Name: hsac@canterbury.ac.nz

Contact Email: hsac@canterbury.ac.nz

Copyright: Health Services Assessment Collaboration (HSAC)