Vascular loops in cerebellopontine angle in patients with unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss: Evaluations by three radiological grading systems

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the impact of the position, configuration and neurovascular contact of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) in cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and internal auditory canal (IAC) on the clinical features of patients with unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). METHODS: One hundred and thirty‐six patients with unilateral ISSNHL were enrolled. All patients received detailed history inquiry and standard treatments. Pure tone audiometry and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of CPA‐IAC were performed. The MRI findings of both ears were evaluated by the Chavda, Gorrie and Kazawa systems. The association between radiological findings and clinical data were analyzed. RESULTS: (1) No significant interaural difference in the position, configuration and neurovascular contact of AICA was observed. (2) There was no significant association between the AICA loop and concomitant vertigo or pre‐treatment audiometric configuration in the affected ear. (3) Concomitant tinnitus seemed to be affected by the configuration of AICA categorized by Kazawa system, while the Chavda and Gorrie classification of AICA loop was unassociated with tinnitus. (4) Hearing outcomes were not compromised by the position or configuration of AICA based on the Chavda and Kazawa systems. Patients with Gorrie type B tended to have better hearing recovery than those with type C. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ISSNHL, the position, configuration and neurovascular contact of AICA in the CPA‐IAC were unassociated with the side of hearing loss, audiometric configurations, or concomitant vertigo. The neurovascular contact graded by Gorrie system might be associated with hearing outcomes.