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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
In Vivo Morphometric Analysis of Human Cranial Nerves Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Menière's Disease Ears and Normal Hearing Ears
Published on: February 21, 2018
Menière and Friends: Imaging and Classification of Hydropic Ear Disease
1*Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery †German Centre for Vertigo and Balance Disorder, University of Munich, München, Germany.
Background:
Over 75 years ago, endolymphatic hydrops was discovered as the pathologic correlate of Menière's disease. However, this pathologic finding could be ascertained only in postmortem histologic studies. Due to this diagnostic dilemma and the variable manifestation of the various audiovestibular symptoms, diagnostic classification systems based on clinical findings have been used hitherto.
Methods:
A review of the literature of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of hydropic ear disease.
Results:
Recent developments of high resolution MR imaging of the inner ear have now enabled us to visualize in vivo endolymphatic hydrops in patients with suspected Menière's disease. The existing knowledge from temporal bone histologic studies and from the emerging evidence on imaging based evaluation of patients with suspected Menière's disease indicate that endolymphatic hydrops not only is responsible for the full-blown clinical triad of simultaneous attacks of auditory and vestibular dysfunction, but also for other clinical presentations such as "vestibular" and "cochlear Menière's disease."
Conclusion:
As a consequence, we propose the term "Hydropic Ear Disease" as a new terminology which is based on symptomatic and imaging characteristics of these clinical entities to clarify and simplify their diagnostic classification.
Insights
Endolymphatic hydrops, linked to Meniere's disease, can now be visualized in vivo using advanced MRI. This imaging breakthrough allows for clearer diagnosis and classification of hydropic ear conditions.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Endolymphatic hydrops identified over 75 years ago as pathology of Meniere's disease.
- Diagnosis was limited to postmortem studies, creating a diagnostic dilemma.
- Clinical classification systems based on variable audiovestibular symptoms have been used.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on MR imaging of hydropic ear disease.
- To propose a new terminology for improved diagnostic classification.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in hydropic ear disease.
Main Results:
- High-resolution inner ear MR imaging now allows in vivo visualization of endolymphatic hydrops.
- Endolymphatic hydrops is implicated in the classic Meniere's disease triad and other presentations like "vestibular" and "cochlear" Meniere's disease.
Conclusions:
- A new term, "Hydropic Ear Disease," is proposed.
- This terminology simplifies diagnostic classification based on imaging and symptoms.
