Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Useful Tool in the Evaluation of Clinical Treatment of Otospongiosis

Objectives:Evaluate the applicability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a method for monitoring the activity of otospongiotic lesions before and after clinical treatment.Methods:Prospective, randomized, controlled, double- blind study involving 31 patients with clinical, audiometric, and tomographic diagnosis of otosclerosis. If computed tomography (CT) demonstrated active lesions, these patients underwent (MRI) in order to detect otospongiotic foci, seen as areas of gadolinium enhancement. Patients were divided into three groups and received treatment with placebo, alendronate sodium, or sodium fluoride for 6 months. After this period, clinical and audiometric evaluations and a second MRI were performed. The MRIs were evaluated by both a neuroradiologist and an otolaryngologist in a subjective (visual) and objective (using specific eFilm Workstation software) manner. Outcomes were assessed by comparing the MRI, clinical, and audiometric evaluations in the pre- and post-treatment periods.Results:Otos...