[Non-invasive visualization of endolymphatic hydrops in patients with Meniere's disease].

OBJECTIVE

To visualize the endolymph in Meniere's disease by applying for non-invasive intratympanic gadolinium through eustachian tube and three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging (3D-FLAIR MRI).

METHODS

With a 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit, 3D-FLAIR imaging was performed 24 h after intratympanic gadolinium through eustachian tube in seven patients with Meniere's disease. Pure tone test was performed 24 h before and after administered gadolinium. Tympanometry was performed 24 h before, 24 h and 3 months after administered gadolinium.

RESULTS

In five patients, the gadolinium could appear in parts of the perilymph inside the inner ear but not in the middle ear and mastoid, moreover, the border between the perilymph and endolymph was visible so that endolymphatic space was clearly shown on 3D-FLAIR imaging. In two patients with endolymphatic hydrops, the perilymphatic space surrounding endolymph was small or disappeared. In two patients, the gadolinium could appear in parts of the middle ear and mastoid but not in the inner ear. No significant changes in pure tone test and tympanometry were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

3D-FLAIR MRI with intratympanic gadolinium through eustachian tube could clearly reveal the visualization of endolymphatic space in Meniere's disease.