Endolymphatic hydrops revealed by magnetic resonance imaging in patients with acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss

Mariko Shimono, Masaaki Teranishi, Tadao Yoshida, Masahiro Kato, Rui Sano, Hironao Otake, Ken Kato, Michihiko Sone, Naoki Ohmiya, Shinji Naganawa, Tsutomu Nakashima

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

69 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: Acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss (ALHL) has been reported to be associated with endolymphatic hydrops (EHs). However, evaluation of the size of the endolymphatic space has not been reported. We attempted to visualize EH in ALHL using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Study Design: Prospective diagnostic study. Setting: University hospital. Methods: We evaluated 25 ears of 25 unilateral ALHL patients. Three-tesla MRI was obtained 24 hours after intratympanic injection of gadolinium (Gd) (n = 5) or 4 hours after intravenous injection of Gd (n = 20). A radiologist blinded to the patients' clinical data classified the degree of EH in the vestibule and cochlea into 3 groups: none, mild, and significant. Results: On the affected sides, cochlear EH was recognized in 23 ears (92%) and was classified as significant EH (n = 15) or mild EH (n = 8); vestibular EH was detected in 22 ears (88%), classified as significant EH (n = 16) or mild EH (n = 6). Cochlear EH was more frequently observed in the affected ear than in the contralateral ear (90% versus 40%, p < 0.05). Conclusion: In ALHL, EH was observed not only in the cochlea but also in the vestibule as in Ménière's disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1241-1246
Number of pages6
JournalOtology and Neurotology
Volume34
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 09-2013
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Sensory Systems
  • Clinical Neurology

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