Changes in endolymphatic hydrops after vestibular neurectomy observed in magnetic resonance imaging - A pilot study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

The aim was to evaluate endolymphatic hydrops in patients with Ménière's disease before and after vestibular neurectomy to verify if the endolymphatic space dilatation, observed in magnetic resonance imaging, regressed within several months after surgery.

METHODS:

Magnetic resonance imaging was performed after intravenous gadolinium injection in four patients with unilateral definite Ménière's disease before and eight months after vestibular neurectomy. Clinical symptoms, audiovestibular tests, and endolymphatic hydrops in magnetic resonance imaging were evaluated.

RESULTS:

Endolymphatic hydrops was visualized in preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in three out of four analyzed patients. In the remaining one, an asymmetrical contrast enhancement in the affected ear was found. After the vestibular neurectomy, all four patients presented a complete resolution of vertigo episodes and improved functional level. Significant postoperative hearing deterioration was found in two patients. In the follow-up magnetic resonance imaging, no reduction of the endolymphatic hydrops was visualized. A reduction of asymmetrical contrast enhancement in one patient was found.

CONCLUSIONS:

Magnetic resonance imaging of the inner ear is a helpful diagnostic tool for Menière's disease. Vestibular neurectomy is an effective treatment for intractable vertigo; however, there is no endolymphatic hydrops regression evidence within several months after the surgery. Therefore, further studies with a long follow-up period and repeated magnetic resonance imaging are needed to assess the vestibular neurectomy's impact on endolymphatic hydrops. Nevertheless, magnetic resonance imaging supports the clinical diagnosis of Ménière's disease and may help understand its pathophysiology.

• Authors: Agnieszka Jasińska-Nowacka, Magdalena Lachowska, Emilia Wnuk, Kazimierz Niemczyk
• Journal: Auris, nasus, larynx (Auris Nasus Larynx) Vol. 49 Issue 4 Pg. 584-592 (Aug 2022) ISSN: 1879-1476 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 34949488 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Topics

• Denervation
• Endolymphatic Hydrops (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Meniere Disease (complications, diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Pilot Projects
• Vertigo (diagnostic imaging, etiology, surgery)
• Vestibule, Labyrinth (diagnostic imaging, surgery)