[Contribution and Cost-Effectiveness of ABR and MRI in Acoustic Neuroma screening. Retrospective Study of 151 Cases]

Ann Otolaryngol Chir Cervicofac. 2002 Apr;119(2):67-72.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess during two periods (1991-1995 and 1996-2000) if MRI spreading had changed: (1) private ENT physicians screening habits; (2) the average tumor size at the time of diagnosis and the diagnostic delay of acoustic neuroma; and (3) the cost of acoustic neuroma diagnosis. In addition, the sensibility of each diagnostic test was calculated on 151 tumors. Our results show no significant change neither in the screening strategy (except a mild decrease in CT-scan utilization) nor in the tumor size, diagnostic delay or diagnostic cost between the two periods. Even if MRI is the gold standard for acoustic neuroma diagnosis, our 86%-sensibility of ABR, increased to 99% if combined with stapedial reflex and caloric test may still incline to use ABR in selected cases.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Audiometry, Evoked Response / economics*
  • Brain Stem / physiopathology
  • Caloric Tests / economics
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / economics*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuroma, Acoustic / diagnosis
  • Neuroma, Acoustic / economics*
  • Neuroma, Acoustic / physiopathology
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reflex, Acoustic / physiology