Potential Application of Hydrops MR Imaging: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• The introduction of hydrops magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has created a diagnostic challenge distinguishing clinical Meniere's disease from radiological endolymphatic hydrops (EH).
• This study reviews the utility of hydrops MRI in diagnosing EH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the diagnostic potential of hydrops MRI for endolymphatic hydrops (EH).

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of peer-reviewed articles was conducted.
• Databases searched included MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar, adhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.
• 80 relevant articles were selected from an initial retrieval of 470 articles published between 1983 and 2023.

Main Results:

• Hydrops MRI demonstrated varying sensitivity (69%-92%) and specificity (78%-96%) in detecting EH across different laboratories.
• Variations in results are likely attributable to differences in patient selection and grading systems used.
• The study identified 470 articles, ultimately selecting 80 relevant ones for analysis.

Conclusions:

• Hydrops MRI is valuable for differentiating EH from sudden sensorineural hearing loss, determining the affected side, and confirming EH in the presence of other conditions.
• Current hydrops MRI technology cannot visualize inner ear structural changes like rupture, collapse, fistula, or fibrosis.
• Future research should focus on enhancing MRI resolution to visualize fine inner ear structures and address existing diagnostic gaps.