American Journal of Neuroradiology, Vol 18, Issue 1 45-51, Copyright © 1997 by American Society of Neuroradiology
ARTICLES |
MR of the endolymphatic duct and sac: findings in Meniere disease
H Tanioka, H Kaga, H Zusho, T Araki and Y Sasaki
Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
PURPOSE: To compare the visibility of the endolymphatic duct and sac on high-resolution MR images with the symptoms and clinical course in patients with Meniere disease. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with unilateral Meniere disease were sorted into two groups on the basis of the clinical stage of their disease at the time of imaging. Group 1 included patients in the acute phase, who presented with vertigo. Group 2 comprised patients in the nonacute phase of the disease, who were studied 9 days or more after an episode of vertigo. RESULTS: During acute attacks, the endolymphatic duct and sac were not adequately visible in the affected ear but were visible in the unaffected ear. During remission, the endolymphatic duct and sac were not observed in clinically advanced patients, but they were seen in patients in the early and intermediate stages. CONCLUSION: High-resolution MR imaging can be used to evaluate the endolymphatic duct and sac: visible abnormalities and lack of a visible endolymphatic duct and sac correlate with the clinical course of Meniere disease.