Three dimensional magnetic resonance inner ear in meniere's disease and congential sensorineural hearing loss

ABSTRACT

This study was done on 30 patients divided into two groups Group I [15 patients with Meniere's disease] and group II [15 patients with congenital sensorineural hearing loss [SNHL]]. Computed tomography [CT] was done for patients of congenital SNHL to exclude any bony abnormalities, then 3D MRI was done to all patients. In group I, 3D MRI showed good visualization of the membranous labyrinth, cochlea, vestibule, the semicircular canals and the endolymphatic duct and sac in all patients. In group II, CT did not show any abnormality. The 3D MRI showed good visualization of the endolymphatic sac, the semicircular canals, the internal auditory canal and the vestibular aqueduct. In one case in group II, there was enlarged endolymphatic sac [large vestibular aqueduct syndrome]. It was concluded that 3D MRI is a good method to study inner ear pathology. It is the only imaging technique that allows evaluation of the potency of the membranous labyrinth. Its thin images and high contrast allow detection of small lesions inside the IAC and any membranous labyrinth malformations. Moreover, it is the best imaging technique to detect vascular compression on the VII or VII nerves, causing SNHL, vertigo or facial paralysis