[Endolymphatic visualization in patients with Meniere's disease].

OBJECTIVE

To attempt to visualize the endolymph in patients with Meniere's disease by applying 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 hours after intratympanic gadolinium through eustachian tube in two patients with medically active and intractable Meniere's disease. Pure tone test and tympanometry were performed 24 hours before and after the administration of gadolinium.

RESULTS

The gadolinium appeared in almost all parts of the perilymph inside the inner ear; moreover, the border between the perilymph and the endolymph was visible so endolymphatic space was clearly shown on 3D-FLAIR. No change in pure tone test and tympanometry was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

3D-FLAIR MRI with intratympanic gadolinium through eustachian tube can clearly reveal the visualization of endolymph in patients with Meniere's disease. Intratympanic gadolinium therapy through eustachian tube is a safe and effective.