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High-resolution MR imaging of the inner ear: findings in Menière's disease
H Tanioka1, H Zusho, T Machida
1Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Symptoms in Menière's disease are characterized by hydrops of the endolymphatic system with recurrent rupture of the membranous labyrinth. The primary cause of the increased endolymphatic volume appears to be an imbalance between secretion and resorption of the endolymph which may be due to an obstruction of the membranous endolymphatic duct and sac, located in the vestibular aqueduct. The membranous endolymphatic duct and sac are not expected to be visualized using conventional tomography and high-resolution computed tomography (HR-CT), whereas, these are identified with high resolution MRI (HR-MRI). By HR-MRI, we proposed to demonstrate morphological alternation in 12 patients with Menière's disease, this group was compared with a group of 20 healthy subjects. The degree of visualization on HR-MRI of the membranous endolymphatic duct and sac running through the vestibular aqueduct in the bony canal was assessed. There was a distinct decrease in visualization of the membranous endolymphatic duct and sac in the Menière's group. The results confirm the value of the HR-MRI technique to identify an anatomical abnormality, which is directly correlated with the lesion in cases of unilateral Menière's disease.
Insights
High-resolution MRI (HR-MRI) can visualize the endolymphatic duct and sac in Menière's disease. This study found decreased visualization in Menière's patients, confirming HR-MRI's value for anatomical abnormality detection.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Radiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Menière's disease involves endolymphatic hydrops and labyrinth rupture.
- An imbalance in endolymph secretion/resorption, possibly due to duct/sac obstruction, is the suspected cause.
- Conventional and HR-CT cannot visualize the endolymphatic duct and sac.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate morphological alterations in the endolymphatic duct and sac using HR-MRI in Menière's disease patients.
- To compare HR-MRI findings between Menière's disease patients and healthy controls.
- To assess the diagnostic value of HR-MRI for identifying anatomical abnormalities in Menière's disease.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution MRI (HR-MRI) was used to visualize the membranous endolymphatic duct and sac.
- Twelve patients diagnosed with Menière's disease were included.
- Twenty healthy subjects served as a control group for comparison.
Main Results:
- Visualization of the membranous endolymphatic duct and sac was significantly decreased in patients with Menière's disease.
- HR-MRI successfully identified morphological alternations in the affected group.
- The findings suggest a direct correlation between anatomical abnormalities and unilateral Menière's disease.
Conclusions:
- HR-MRI is a valuable technique for visualizing the endolymphatic duct and sac.
- The study confirms the utility of HR-MRI in identifying anatomical abnormalities associated with Menière's disease.
- Decreased visualization of the endolymphatic structures is linked to Menière's disease pathology.