| MRI of the Internal Auditory Canals (IACs) | $700 |
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While most MRI exams of the IACs do not require contrast, there are some indications where contrast would be beneficial. In these cases, an additional $300 will be charged.
MRI of the Internal Auditory Canals (IACs) allows visualization of the auditory and facial nerves as they pass through the internal auditory canal. We are also able to assess the inner ear structures such as the cochlea and semi-circular canals. Your doctor may refer you for this exam to determine if there is a structural cause for hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness or inner ear pain. In addition, if your physician suspects a type of tumor known as a cholesteatoma, we utilize a very specialized method of imaging specific for this condition known as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The entire MRI exam will take approximately 15 minutes. For some conditions, we may need to administer an intravenous injection of an MRI contrast agent (dye). We may require you to have a blood test before this procedure. The type of contrast agent we use has been validated to be one of the safest types available. If you receive the contrast agent, the entire MRI exam will then take approximately 1 hour.
(top) IACS demonstrating nerves in internal auditory canal (Yellow arrow), blood vessel crossing nerves (Blue arrow) and cochlea and semi-circular canals (Green arrow). (middle) Acoustic neuroma (tumor) filling internal auditory canal. (bottom) Can you spot the tumor?
Cholesteatoma visible in the petrous bone, adjacent to the inner ear structures (Yellow arrow).