Acoustic neuromas: evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging.

Proton magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations were performed in six patients with seven acoustic neuromas, and the results were compared with conventional tomography of the internal auditory canals, contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), and air CT cisternography. All tumors were identified with MRI. The three largest tumors (greater than 1 cm diameter) looked similar to the tumors seen on CT scans, although the extent of the tumor was better seen with MRI in two cases. The four small (less than or equal to 1 cm diameter) cerebellopontine angle and intracanalicular tumors were well seen with MRI, with appearances corresponding to those seen with air CT cisternography. No side effects were encountered with the MRI examinations. MRI is an accurate, noninvasive alternative to contrast-enhanced CT and air CT cisternography in the diagnosis of acoustic neuromas.