In Vivo Volumetric Analysis of Endolymphatic Hydrops in Ménière Disease Using 7-Tesla MRI and Advanced...

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Otolaryngology
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Meniere disease (MD) is characterized by endolymphatic hydrops (EH), but its precise in vivo quantification remains challenging.
• High-resolution imaging techniques are needed to better understand the underlying pathophysiology of MD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in Meniere disease (MD) patients using high-resolution 7-tesla (7T) MRI volumetry.
• To identify anatomic differences that may clarify MD etiology and inform therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study involving 12 adults with MD and 5 healthy controls.
• 7T MRI with T2-weighted and 3D-FLAIR sequences before and after contrast administration.
• Volumetric measurements of the membranous labyrinth, including the utricle, SCC, saccule, and cochlear duct.

Main Results:

• MD-affected ears showed significantly larger endolymph volumes in the utricle and SCC compared to controls (P=0.033).
• The ratio of endolymph to total inner ear fluid was significantly greater in MD-affected ears (62.3% vs. 44.0%).
• No significant differences were found in the saccule or cochlear duct volumes between groups.

Conclusions:

• In vivo 7T MRI volumetry effectively reveals significant EH in the utricle and SCC of MD-affected ears.
• This imaging approach demonstrates utility for characterizing EH and guiding precise diagnostics and therapies for Meniere disease.
• Future research should focus on refining methods to improve saccular hydrops assessment in living patients.