Enhancement of the eighth cranial nerve and labyrinth on MR imaging in sudden sensorineural hearing loss associated with human herpesvirus 1 infection: case report

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2001 Aug;22(7):1380-2.

Abstract

The case of a 61-year-old woman who presented with herpes labialis, subclinical meningitis, and sudden onset of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is presented. Contrast-enhanced MR imaging showed marked bilateral enhancement of the intracanalicular portion of the eighth cranial nerve, right cochlea, and left vestibule. Polymerase chain reaction was positive for human herpesvirus 1 obtained from the cerebral spinal fluid, which suggested the diagnosis of viral neuritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Ear, Inner / pathology
  • Female
  • Hearing Loss, Sudden / etiology*
  • Herpes Labialis / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement*
  • Labyrinth Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Middle Aged
  • Vestibulocochlear Nerve / pathology
  • Vestibulocochlear Nerve Diseases / diagnosis*