Grading of endolymphatic hydrops using magnetic resonance imaging

Conclusion: Grading of endolymphatic hydrops in the vestibule and the cochlea using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is proposed (2008 Nagoya scale). Objective: To standardize the evaluation of endolymphatic hydrops in both the vestibule and the cochlea using MRI. Patients and methods: The endolymphatic space was evaluated after intratympanic gadolinium injection using three-dimensional fluid attenuated (3D-FLAIR) MRI and three-dimensional real inversion recovery (3D-real IR) MRI. Results: A simple three-stage grading system was acceptable for hydrops in both the vestibule and the cochlea: none, mild, and significant. In the vestibule, the grading was determined by the ratio of the area of endolymphatic space to the vestibular fluid space (sum of the endolymphatic and perilymphatic spaces). Patients with no hydrops have a ratio of one-third or less, those with mild hydrops have between one-third and a half, and those with significant hydrops have a ratio of more than 50%. In the cochlea, patients classified as having no hydrops show no displacement of Reissner's membrane; those with mild hydrops show displacement of Reissner's membrane but the area of the endolymphatic space does not exceed the area of the scala vestibuli; and in those with significant hydrops the area of the endolymphatic space exceeds the area of the scala vestibuli.