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Updated: Aug 31, 2025
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
Predicting positive cochlear endolymphatic hydrops on magnetic resonance images
Kao-Tsung Lin1, Chi-Ju Lu2, Yi-Ho Young1
1Department of Otolaryngology National Taiwan University Hospital Taipei Taiwan.
Objective/Hypothesis:
This study correlated audiological results with magnetic resonance (MR) images to predict positive cochlear endolymphatic hydrops (EH) on MR images in patients with Meniere's disease (MD).
Study Design:
Retrospective study.
Methods:
Twenty definite MD patients with positive cochlear EH on MR images were assigned to Group A. Another 20 definite MD patients with negative cochlear EH on MR images were assigned to Group B. All patients underwent an inner ear test battery followed by MR imaging using HRDROPS-Mi2 technique.
Results:
The mean hearing levels (MHLs) at frequencies of 125, 250, 500 and 1000 Hz revealed significantly worse in Group A than Group B. Significantly deteriorated MHLs were noted from Grades 0 to II at low frequency (125, 250, and 500 Hz), but not at mid-frequency and high frequency. The respective cutoff hearing thresholds at frequencies of 125, 250, and 500 Hz were 27.5, 32.5, and 40 dBHL, which help predict positive cochlear EH on MR images. By using the sum (27.5 + 32.5 + 40 = 100 dBHL) of cutoff thresholds from three low frequencies as a cutoff value, Group A (80%) showed significantly more ears with sum of low-frequency hearing threshold >100 dBHL than Group B (30%).
Conclusion:
When sum of three low-frequency (125, 250, and 500 Hz) hearing levels is >100 dBHL, positive cochlear EH may be shown on MR images in definite MD patients. In contrast, those MD patients with sum of three low-frequency hearing levels <100 dBHL, MR imaging should be postponed because resolution of EH may cause negative MR images. Level of evidence: 4.
Insights
Audiological results can predict cochlear endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in Meniere
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Radiology
- Audiology
Background:
- Meniere's disease (MD) is characterized by endolymphatic hydrops (EH).
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is used to detect EH, but its correlation with audiological findings requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To correlate audiological results with MR imaging findings to predict positive cochlear endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in patients with Meniere's disease (MD).
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study involving 40 definite MD patients.
- Patients were divided into two groups based on MR imaging findings of cochlear EH (positive or negative).
- An inner ear test battery and MR imaging using the HRDROPS-Mi2 technique were performed.
Main Results:
- Mean hearing levels at low frequencies (125-1000 Hz) were significantly worse in patients with positive EH on MR images.
- Specific cutoff hearing thresholds at 125, 250, and 500 Hz were identified to predict positive cochlear EH.
- A sum of low-frequency hearing thresholds >100 dBHL predicted positive cochlear EH in 80% of cases, compared to 30% in the negative EH group.
Conclusions:
- A sum of low-frequency hearing levels >100 dBHL can predict positive cochlear EH on MR images in definite MD patients.
- For MD patients with a sum of low-frequency hearing levels <100 dBHL, MR imaging may be postponed due to potential resolution of EH.
- This correlation aids in the diagnostic approach for Meniere's disease.
