Imaging of endolymphatic spaces of internal ear in aged patients suffering from Meniere's disease / 中华老年医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective The research aimed at evaluating whether non-invasive endolymphatic MR imaging could be used in aged patients(≥60 years)suffering from Meniere's disease.Methods Under guidance of nasal endoscopy,a diluted gadopentetate dimeglumine injection was administrated through eustachian tube into mid-ear cavity in four patients (≥60 years old) suffered from Meniere's disease.3D-FLAIR MRI scan was performed one day after the administration.Results The administration succeeded through eustachian tube into mid-ear cavity in those four patients.A rise of fluid level on tympanic membrane while administrating a diluted gadopentetated meglumine injection was observed.Imaging of inner ear endolymphatic spaces were visible in vestibule and cochlea in imaging of patient 1.As to patient 2,in cochlea the scala tympani of the first and second turns were enhanced while scala vestibule weren't;Vestibules couldn't be recognized.In images of patient 3,the scala tympani of the three turns in cochlea were enhanced while scala vestibule weren't;Vestibules couldn't be recognized.For Patient 4,in cochlea the scala tympani of the first turn were enhanced while scala vestibule weren't,and the second turn was partially enhanced;and endolymphatic space of vestibule could be distinguished from perilymphatic space.Conclusions This technique could be adopted in investigation of Meniere's disease in elderly patients.MR imaging of endolymphatic spaces in vestibule and cochlea can be visualized,which may partially provide data for diagnosis of Meniere's disease.