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Published on: February 21, 2018
Grading of endolymphatic hydrops using magnetic resonance imaging
Tsutomu Nakashima1, Shinji Naganawa, Ilmari Pyykko
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nagoya University School of Medicine, 65, Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan. tsutomun@med.nagoya-u.ac.jp
Acta Oto-Laryngologica. Supplementum
|February 18, 2009
Summary
A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) grading scale standardizes the assessment of endolymphatic hydrops in the inner ear. This three-stage system evaluates both the vestibule and cochlea for hydrops severity.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Radiology
- Inner Ear Disorders
Background:
- Endolymphatic hydrops is a condition affecting the inner ear.
- Accurate diagnosis and grading are crucial for effective treatment.
- Current evaluation methods for hydrops lack standardization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To standardize the evaluation of endolymphatic hydrops in the vestibule and cochlea.
- To propose a novel grading system for endolymphatic hydrops using MRI.
- To establish a reliable method for assessing hydrops severity.
Main Methods:
- Intratympanic gadolinium injection was administered.
- Three-dimensional fluid attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) MRI was used.
- Three-dimensional real inversion recovery (3D-real IR) MRI was employed.
Main Results:
- A simple three-stage grading system (none, mild, significant) was developed.
- Vestibular hydrops grading is based on the ratio of endolymphatic to vestibular fluid space.
- Cochlear hydrops grading is based on Reissner's membrane displacement and endolymphatic space area.
Conclusions:
- The proposed MRI grading system is effective for evaluating endolymphatic hydrops.
- This standardized approach facilitates consistent assessment of hydrops in the vestibule and cochlea.
- The 2008 Nagoya scale provides a reliable method for grading endolymphatic hydrops.
