Comparison of the diagnostic value of 3 T MRI after intratympanic injection of GBCA, electrocochleography, and the glycerol test in patients with Meniere's disease.

CONCLUSION

3 T MRI after intratympanic injection of gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) is more useful for the diagnosis of endolymphatic hydrops compared with the glycerol test and electrocochleography (ECoG).

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between 3 T MRI after intratympanic injection of GBCA, the glycerol test, and ECoG in patients with Meniere's disease (MD).

METHODS

A total of 20 patients with MD were evaluated. Diluted gadodiamide (a gadolinium-based contrast agent) was administered to the bilateral tympanic cavity by injection through the tympanic membrane. After 24 h, the endolymphatic hydrops was evaluated by a 3.0 T MR scanner. To investigate cochlear hydrops, the glycerol test and ECoG were carried out in all patients.

RESULTS

A positive result was observed in 11 patients (55%) in the glycerol test and in 12 patients (60%) by ECoG. The incidence of positive findings when evaluating the same patients with both the glycerol test and ECoG increased to 75%. Nineteen of 20 (95%) patients showed positive results for 3 T MRI.