Utility of MRI in the Outpatient Evaluation of Patients With Chronic Continuous or Recurrent Dizziness

Abstract

Objective This study aimed to assess the utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in outpatient evaluation of patients with chronic continuous or recurrent dizziness (CCRD) and determine whether certain patient characteristics, symptoms, or examination findings are associated with diagnostic MRI findings. Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Ambulatory center. Patients 304 patients who received an MRI for CCRD. Intervention Diagnostic utility of MRI in patients with CCRD. Main Outcome Measure MRI diagnostic findings in patients with CCRD and associated patient characteristics, symptoms, or examination findings. Materials and Methods In this retrospective analysis, 304 patients who visited an outpatient clinic between 1998 and 2023 and underwent MRI for CCRD, without previously diagnosed neurological abnormalities, were examined. The study investigated the relationship between demographic characteristics, comorbidities, clinical symptoms, and examination findings with diagnostic MRI findings. Univariate analysis was used to identify factors predictive of diagnostic MRI findings. Results Out of 304 patients, 11 (3.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5–5.72%) had diagnostic MRI findings. The most common diagnostic finding (36.4%) was brain metastasis, seen only in patients with previously diagnosed metastatic cancer. Univariate analysis revealed that hypertension (p = 0.004, likelihood ratio [LR] = 2.51), hyperlipidemia (p = 0.004, LR = 2.91), and cancer (p = 0.021, LR = 2.96) were significantly associated with diagnostic MRI findings. Incidental findings were observed in 73 patients (24%; 95% CI, 19.2–28.8%). Outside of cancer patients, six (2.3%; 95% CI, 1.1–5.0%) had diagnostic MRI findings. Conclusion In our study, MRI rarely displayed diagnostic findings in patients with CCRD and normal neurologic examination. However, individuals with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or cancer were significantly more likely to display positive MRI findings. It is essential to carefully consider the need for MRI when assessing patients with CCRD.