J Korean Bal Soc.  2008 Dec;7(2):167-173.

Visualization of endolymphatic hydrops using Magnetic Resonance Imaging after intratympanic Gd-DTPA administration in patients with Meniere's disease

• Seo YJ
• Shim DB
• Kim J
• Lee WS

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Endolymphatic hydrops are known as major causes of Meniere's disease. MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) with contrast tried recently makes it possible to visualize perilymphatic and endolymphatic space without invasive procedures. There are no tryouts in the interior of our country. We attempted MRI after injection of gadolinium-diethylen-triamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) in normal adults and patients with Meniere's disease to make sure 3D-FLAIR (fluid-attenuated inversion recovery) MRI parameters and to visualize endolymphatic spaces.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Five normal adults and Five patients with Meniere's disease were included in this study. Twenty-four hours after Gd-DTPA intratympanic injection, we performed 3D-FLAIR and 3D-IR imaging at 3T. MRI region of interest signal intensity was used to determine the diffusion of Gd-DTPA into the perilymphatic fluid spaces over time.
RESULTS
Five of five in normal group, using 3D-IR MRI after Gd injection, had enhanced imagings (perilymphatic spaces) of inner ears. Five of five in patients group, using 3D-IR after Gd injection, had enhanced perilymphatic spaces and non-enhanced endolymphatic hydrops.
CONCLUSIONS
Delayed contrast imaging of the inner ear with 3D-IR MRI after Gd-DTPA intratympanic injection revealed in vivo visualization of endolymphatic hydrops.

Keyword

Endolymphatic hydrops; 3D-FLAIR MRI; Gd-DTPA; Intratympanic injection

MeSH Terms

Adult
Diffusion
Ear, Inner
Endolymphatic Hydrops
Gadolinium DTPA
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Magnetics
Magnets
Meniere Disease
Gadolinium DTPA