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Updated: Jun 24, 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
Four-Hour-Delayed Gadolinium 3D REAL IR and SPACE FLAIR MRI Correlated to Meniere Disease Histology
Eugene D Ark1, Mounika N Boya2, Amar Shah1
1College of Medicine, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
Abstract:
Objectives: This study aims to showcase the complementary nature of utilizing both histopathology and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in understanding the otologic pathophysiology of Meniere disease. In addition, it seeks to raise awareness of the value of preserving and curating historical temporal bone collections which continue to inform our understanding of otologic diseases. Methods: The essential anatomical feature of Meniere disease-the distended membranous labyrinth-is explored through a comparison of early temporal bone studies with contemporary MRI techniques. The histopathologic photomicrographs are of inner ear specimens from deceased patients with symptoms consistent with Meniere disease. The MRI sequences from living patients exhibiting classic Meniere disease symptoms during life are captured 4 hours post-administration of gadolinium. Results: Both histopathologic examination and MRI imaging reveal consistent distention of the saccule, utricle, and scala media in patients with Meniere disease. The study shows the histologic photomicrographs of actual Meniere patients compared to the MRIs and successfully demonstrates the correlation between postmortem histological findings and MRI evidence of distension in living patients. Conclusions: A corresponding distension of the membranous labyrinth is seen in both the histologic specimens and the Meniere MRIs. This correlation suggests the potential utility of utilizing MRI to aid in diagnosing atypical Meniere disease and distinguishing it from other disease processes, such as migraine equivalent vertigo. The integration of historical temporal bone studies with modern MRI techniques offers valuable insights into the pathophysiology of otologic diseases. In addition, it emphasizes the importance of preserving and curating historical temporal bone collections for continued research and medical education purposes. Previous studies of delayed MRIs did not use Meniere disease temporal bone histopathology images.
Insights
Histopathology and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) both reveal inner ear swelling in Meniere disease. This correlation aids diagnosis and highlights the value of temporal bone collections for otologic research.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Meniere disease is an inner ear disorder characterized by episodic vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
- Understanding its pathophysiology is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management.
- Historical temporal bone collections offer valuable insights into otologic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the complementary roles of histopathology and MRI in studying Meniere disease.
- To correlate postmortem histopathologic findings with in-vivo MRI evidence of inner ear changes.
- To emphasize the importance of preserving temporal bone collections for ongoing research.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of histopathologic photomicrographs of inner ear specimens from deceased Meniere disease patients.
- Analysis of MRI sequences from living Meniere disease patients, acquired 4 hours post-gadolinium administration.
- Correlation of histological findings with corresponding MRI evidence of membranous labyrinth distention.
Main Results:
- Both histopathology and MRI consistently showed distention of the saccule, utricle, and scala media in Meniere disease.
- A strong correlation was established between postmortem histological findings and in-vivo MRI evidence.
- The study successfully linked histological observations with MRI findings in Meniere disease patients.
Conclusions:
- Membranous labyrinth distention is a consistent finding in both histological specimens and MRI of Meniere disease patients.
- MRI shows potential utility in diagnosing atypical Meniere disease and differentiating it from conditions like vestibular migraine.
- Integrating historical temporal bone studies with modern MRI enhances understanding of otologic pathophysiology and underscores the value of specimen preservation.
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Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...