Endolymphatic hydrops revealed by intravenous gadolinium injection in patients with Ménière's disease

Abstract

Conclusion: Visualization of endolymphatic hydrops became possible after intravenous gadolinium (Gd) injection in patients with Ménière's disease. Objective: To visualize endolymphatic hydrops after intravenous Gd injection. Methods: Gd (gadoteridol; 0.2 mmol/kg) was injected intravenously in three patients with unilateral Ménière's disease. We performed three-dimensional fluid attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) and three-dimensional real inversion recovery (3D-real IR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 4 h after the injection using a 3-Tesla MRI unit. We used a 32-channel array coil to obtain a high signal-to-noise ratio. Results: Endolymphatic hydrops was observed in the ears of patients with Ménière's disease. However, Gd concentration in the perilymph was lower compared with that obtained after intratympanic Gd injection.