The value of 3D-real IR MRI with intravenous gadolinium injection in the diagnosis of suspected Meniere's disease in children.

BACKGROUND

Intravenous gadolinium injection (IV-method) can be used to visualize endolymphatic hydrops.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to use a three-dimensional inversion-recovery sequence with real reconstruction (3 D-real IR) sequence 4 h after the IV-method, images of the perilymph space were scored for endolymphatic hydrops in cases of suspected Meniere's disease (MD) in children to investigate its diagnostic value of MD in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We collected 28 suspected MD children aged ≤17 years old, all of whom underwent the IV-method. After 4 h, inner ear 3 D-real IR magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed and results were analyzed.

RESULTS

Gadolinium contrast agent was seen distributed in the perilymphatic space with perilymphatic enhancement on 3 D-real IR MRI, allowing differentiation between the perilymphatic and endolymphatic spaces. Based on perilymph MRI diagnostic scoring, 64.3% (18/28) of the patients were categorized as having endolymphatic hydrops, who were followed and eventually diagnosed with confirmed MDs.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

Suspected MD children should undergo gadolinium-enhanced examinations of the inner ear while taking dynamic audiology examinations for the confirmed diagnosis.