A mouse model of autoimmune inner ear disease without endolymphatic hydrops.

Autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) is an organ-specific disease characterized by irreversible, prolonged, and progressive hearing and equilibrium dysfunctions. The primary symptoms of AIED include asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss accompanied by vertigo, aural fullness, and tinnitus. AIED is divided into primary and secondary types. Research has been conducted using animal models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a cause of secondary AIED. However, current models are insufficient to accurately analyze vestibular function, and the mechanism underlying the onset of AIED has not yet been fully elucidated. Elucidation of the mechanism of AIED onset is urgently needed to develop effective treatments. In the present study, we analyzed the pathogenesis of vertigo in autoimmune diseases using a mouse model of type II collagen-induced RA. Auditory brain stem response analysis demonstrated that the RA mouse models exhibited hearing loss, which is the primary symptom of AIED. In addition, our vestibulo-oculomotor reflex analysis, which is an excellent vestibular function test, accurately captured vertigo symptoms in the RA mouse models. Moreover, our results revealed that the cause of hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction was not endolymphatic hydrops, but rather structural destruction of the organ of Corti and the lateral semicircular canal ampulla due to an autoimmune reaction against type II collagen. Overall, we were able to establish a mouse model of AIED without endolymphatic hydrops. Our findings will help elucidate the mechanisms of hearing loss and vertigo associated with AIED and facilitate the development of new therapeutic methods.

Clinical significance of posterior expansion of the utricular endolymphatic space.

BACKGROUND: Posterior expansion of the utricular endolymphatic space (ES) is a finding occasionally observed, and often occurs in bilateral ears. The clinical significance of posterior expansion of the utricular ES is not clear. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical significance of posterior expansion of the utricular ES detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 957 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI to investigate the presence of endolymphatic hydrops (EH), clinical findings in cases with posterior expansion of the utricular ES were evaluated and the significance of their existence is considered. RESULTS: Posterior expansion of the utricular ES was detected in 30 ears from 20 cases (7 males, 13 females; mean age 48.7 years). The ears with posterior expansion had a significantly lower incidence of vestibular EH than those without, and this tendency was more prominent in cases in bilateral ears. Some cases with posterior expansion had vestibular symptoms and were diagnosed with Ménière's disease, although EH was not detected in their vestibules. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: Posterior expansion of the utricular ES was associated with Ménière's disease without vestibular EH. Posterior expansion of the utricular ES might not be associated with the formation of EH but may occur independently.

Cochlear Otosclerosis and Secondary Hydrops (Ménière's Syndrome).

ABSTRACT: This article discusses a case of cochlear otosclerosis leading to secondary hydrops and near-complete hearing loss. Histopathological examination revealed advanced multifocal otosclerosis in both temporal bones, with specific focus on cochlear invasion and significant bone resorption. The severity of the case ruled out surgical intervention due to the risk of further hearing loss. The article emphasizes the challenges in managing otosclerosis-related hydrops and highlights the potential use of advanced imaging techniques for diagnosis. The study underscores the complexity of otosclerosis-induced hearing loss, contributing to the understanding of this pathology and its impact on auditory function.

A 3-hour time interval may not be sufficient for delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging with intravenous gadoteridol injection based on 3d-real IR sequence of the inner ear in Meniere's disease patient.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be applied to visualize endolymphatic hydrops (EH). AIMS/OBJECTIVES: To explore whether a 3-h time interval was feasible for clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 15 patients with unilateral Meniere's disease, each of whom underwent delayed enhancement MRI scan of the inner ear after intravenous gadoteridol injection at a 3-h interval. The ears of these patients were divided into two groups (group A: the affected ears; group B: the unaffected ears). Among the two groups, the signal intensity in perilymphatic area of the basal turn of cochlea, the results of visual evaluations in the vestibule, cochlea and semicircular canal and the detection results of EH were compared. RESULTS: Regarding the signal intensity, a difference was found between group A and group B (p = .016). Besides, no difference was found between the visual evaluations in the vestibule, cochlea and semicircular canal of the two groups. Regarding the detection results of EH, group A (6 vestibules were undiagnosable; 8 cochleae were undiagnosable); group B (9 vestibules were undiagnosable; 10 cochleae were undiagnosable). CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: In the clinical application of gadoteridol for the inner ear, 3-h delayed MR imaging may not be sufficient.

The effect of delay time after injecting gadobutrol on the diagnosis of endolymphatic hydrops.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to reduce the time delay between gadolinium injection and 3D-FLAIR (three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery) MRI by using a single dose of intravenous gadobutrol in Menière's disease patients. METHODS: 17 patients diagnosed with definite unilateral Meniere's disease underwent 3D-FLAIR MRI scans at 2, 4, and 6 h post-intravenous administration of a single-dose of gadobutrol. The signal intensity ratio of bilateral inner ear, cochlear and vestibular hydrops was measured at 2 h, 4 h and 6 h, while the differences in signal intensity ratio and endolymphatic hydrops were evaluated at three time points. RESULTS: The cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canal exhibit clear structural features with distinct perilymph-endolymph boundaries at 2 h, 4 h, and 6 h. The signal intensity ratio of the affected ear was significantly higher than that of the unaffected ear at 2 h, 4 h, and 6 h. The signal intensity ratio at 4 h and 6 h in both the affected and unaffected ears was significantly higher than that at 2 h, but there was no significant difference between 4 h and 6 h. Cochlear hydrops and vestibular hydrops show no significant differences at these time points, demonstrating excellent consistency. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that 3D-FLAIR images acquired 2 h after intravenous administration of a single-dose gadobutrol are of high quality and equally effective as those obtained at the conventional 4-h time point for diagnosing endolymphatic hydrops in Menière's disease. In clinical practice, the delay time can be safely shortened to 2 h.

Association between the Putative Meningeal Lymphatics at the Posterior Wall of the Sigmoid Sinus and Delayed Contrast-agent Elimination from the Cerebrospinal Fluid.

PURPOSE: To investigate the characteristics of the putative meningeal lymphatics located at the posterior wall of the sigmoid sinus (PML-PSS) in human subjects imaged before and after intravenous administration (IV) of a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA). The appearance of the PML-PSS and the enhancement of the perivascular space of the basal ganglia (PVS-BG) were analyzed for an association with gender, age, and clearance of the GBCA from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). METHODS: Forty-two patients with suspected endolymphatic hydrops were included. Heavily T2-weighted 3D-fluid attenuated inversion recovery (hT2w-3D-FLAIR) and 3D-real inversion recovery (IR) images were obtained at pre-administration, immediately post-administration, and at 4 and 24 hours after IV-GBCA. The appearance of the PML-PSS and the presence of enhancement in the PVS-BG were analyzed for a relationship with age, gender, contrast enhancement of the CSF at 4 hours after IV-GBCA, and the washout ratio of the GBCA in the CSF from 4 to 24 hours after IV-GBCA. RESULTS: The PML-PSS and PVS-BG were seen in 23 of 42 and 21 of 42 cases, respectively, at 4 hours after IV-GBCA. In all PML-PSS positive cases, hT2w-3D-FLAIR signal enhancement was highest at 4 hours after IV-GBCA. A multivariate analysis between gender, age, CSF signal elevation at 4 hours, and washout ratio indicated that only the washout ratio was independently associated with the enhancement of the PML-PSS or PVS-BG. The odds ratios (95% CIs; P value) were 4.09 × 10-5 (2.39 × 10-8 - 0.07; 0.0078) for the PML-PSS and 1.7 × 10-4 (1.66 × 10-7 - 0.174; 0.014) for the PVS-BG. CONCLUSION: The PML-PSS had the highest signal enhancement at 4 hours after IV-GBCA. When the PML-PSS was seen, there was also often enhancement of the PVS-BG at 4 hours after IV-GBCA. Both observed enhancements were associated with delayed GBCA excretion from the CSF.

Blood-labyrinth barrier breakdown in Meniere's disease.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the signal intensity ratio (SIR) of the cochlear basal turn between Meniere's disease and healthy controls to investigate potential damage of the blood-labyrinth barrier in Meniere's disease. METHODS: Thirty patients diagnosed with unilateral definite Meniere's disease and 24 healthy controls were enrolled. 3D-FLAIR scan was conducted to assess the grades of endolymphatic hydrops in Meniere's patients while measuring the SIR of cochlear basal turns in both groups. The differences of bilateral SIR between Meniere's disease and healthy control were compared, and the correlation between the SIR on affected ear in Meniere's disease and the grades of cochlear and vestibular hydrops were analyzed. RESULTS: SIR of affected ear in Meniere's disease exhibited significant increase compared to that of unaffected ear. No significant difference was observed in SIR between the two ears in the healthy control. Furthermore, the SIR of unaffected side in Meniere's disease was higher than that of both ears in healthy controls. The SIR in affected ear of Meniere's disease exhibited positive correlation with hydrops in both cochlea and vestibula. CONCLUSION: The permeability of blood-labyrinth barrier is increased in Meniere's disease, in combination with the typical criteria of Meniere's disease it may be a good biological marker. Destruction of blood-labyrinth barrier may be one of the causes of endolymphatic hydrops in Meniere's disease.

Impact of endolymphatic hydrops on the function of the horizontal canal during caloric stimulation in Ménière's disease.

PURPOSE: When a dizzy patient with episodic vertigo has an abnormal caloric and a normal video head impulse test (vHIT), this caloric-vHIT dissociation provides vital information for a diagnosis of Ménière's disease (MD). Endolymphatic hydrops (EH), a histological marker of MD, is hypothesized to be involved in the caloric-vHIT dissociation in MD through hydropic duct distension of the horizontal semicircular canal (SC). This study was designed to determine the impact of EH on the function of horizontal SC during caloric stimulation. METHODS: Caloric test and vHIT were used to evaluate the function of horizontal SC every six months, annual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate the degree of EH size in the vestibule, and monthly vertigo and hearing evaluation was done for 12 months. EH shrinkage was defined as the size change of vestibular EH from significant to none. RESULTS: Among 133 MD patients evaluated for eligibility, 67 patients with caloric-vHIT dissociation entered the study. Fifteen participants had EH shrinkage (G-I), while 52 participants had no remarkable EH change (G-II). Average values (IQR) of the maximum slow phase velocity in G-I and G-II were 29.6 (13.0-34.0) and 25.9 (17.3-31.3), respectively, at baseline, 26.1 (9.0-38.0) and 23.6 (18.0-28.3) at 12 months. Two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA showed no significant differences between the groups (P = 0.486). The values of vestibulo-ocular reflex gain of the horizontal SC in G-I and G-II remained above 0.8 during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: EH detected by MRI shows limited correlation with caloric stimulation results.

Effect of Late-Stage Meniere's Disease and Vestibular Functional Impairment on Hippocampal Atrophy.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated correlations among clinical features, degree of inner ear endolymphatic hydrops (EH), and hippocampal volume (HV) in different stages of Meniere's disease (MD). METHODS: From February 2021 to April 2022, clinical data were collected from 99 patients (39 males, 60 females, mean age: 50.4 ± 10.0 [range: 26-69] years) with unilateral MD admitted to the Department of Vertigo Disease of Shandong ENT Hospital. The left and right ears were affected in 64 and 35 patients, respectively. There were 50 and 49 cases in early (Stages 1, 2) and late stages (Stages 3, 4), respectively. Fifty healthy participants were included as controls. Audiovestibular function test results, EH grading using gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and HV determined on MRI were analyzed for patients at different stages of MD. RESULTS: Between-group comparisons of early and late MD revealed significant differences in the disease course, vestibular function (VF), degree of EH, and HV. There were no significant between-group differences based on age, sex, affected side, subjective degree of dizziness, hospital anxiety, or depression. Mean HV in patients with early-stage MD was correlated with the canal paresis value of the caloric test and pure tone hearing threshold, HV in late-stage patients was correlated with vestibular EH. CONCLUSION: Patients with late-stage MD exhibited severe auditory and VF impairments, increased EH, and atrophy of the HV. More advanced disease was associated with greater vestibular damage and degree of EH. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:410-418, 2024.

Differentiating Meniere's Disease and Vestibular Migraine: Insights from Gadolinium-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Clinical Features.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the predictive factors between Meniere's disease (MD) and vestibular migraine (VM) by Gadolinium-enhanced Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the inner ear and Clinical Features. METHODS: Eighty-seven patients (50 MD and 37 VM) underwent intratympanic injection of gadolinium and MRI was performed 24 h later. All patients underwent pure tone audiometry and caloric tests. RESULTS: In the MD group, 46 (92%) of 50 patients developed endolymphatic hydrops, although only 2 (5.4%) in the vestibular migraine (VM) group had positive results groups (p < 0.001). The incidence of migraine was 14% in the MD group and 67.7% in the VM group (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression of the two groups of patients indicated that the greater the sum of the maximum slow phase velocity (SPV) of the ipsilateral ear, the higher the risk of VM occurrence (p = 0.009). The incidence of carsickness was positively correlated with the incidence of VM (p < 0.001) and asymmetric hearing loss (AHL) was negatively correlated with the diagnosis of VM (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Gadolinium-enhanced MRI of the inner ear is helpful for the differential diagnosis of VM and MD. Carsickness, decreased AHL, and increased Sum of the maximum SPV in the ipsilateral side (SSPVI) may act as diagnostic predictors of VM. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:426-432, 2024.

The value of gadolinium-enhanced MRI in predicting the development of sudden hearing loss into Ménière's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical features of sudden hearing loss (SHL) in patients with and without endolymphatic hydrops (EH), and to investigate the association between SHL with EH and Ménière's disease (MD). METHODS: The clinical data of 63 SHL patients with first symptoms were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were separated into two groups based on the results of gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: EH and non-EH groups. Independent sample t-test and U-test were used to compare groups for continuous variables, and the chi-squared test, corrected chi-squared test and Bonferroni correction test were used to compare groups for binary and ordinal variables. The binary logistic regression model was utilised for univariate and multivariate analysis of follow-up patient prognosis. RESULTS: The EH and non-EH groups contained 32 and 31 patients, respectively. The EH group had a higher prevalence of low-tone descending hearing loss. Fifty-one patients were followed for more than 2 years. In the EH group, 11 and 15 patients were diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and MD, respectively, while in the non-EH group, 24 patients were diagnosed with SSNHL and only one with MD. EH, low-tone descending hearing loss and vertigo were risk factors for the diagnosis of MD in a subgroup univariate regression analysis of patients experiencing SHL. EH was found to be a risk factor for the progression of SHL into MD in a multifactor regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SHL who have EH are more likely to present with low-tone descending hearing loss. EH is a risk factor for the subsequent development of MD.

Post Cochlear Implantation Vertigo: Ictal Nystagmus and Audiovestibular Test Characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate ictal nystagmus and audiovestibular characteristics in episodic spontaneous vertigo after cochlear implantation (CI). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective and prospective case series. PATIENTS: Twenty-one CI patients with episodic spontaneous vertigo after implantation were recruited. INTERVENTIONS: Patient-initiated home video-oculography recordings were performed during one or more attacks of vertigo, using miniature portable home video-glasses. To assess canal and otolith function, video head-impulse tests (vHITs) and vestibular-evoked myogenic potential tests were conducted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Nystagmus slow-phase velocities (SPVs), the presence of horizontal direction-changing nystagmus, and post-CI audiovestibular tests. RESULTS: Main final diagnoses were post-CI secondary endolymphatic hydrops (48%) and exacerbation of existing Ménière's disease (29%). Symptomatic patients demonstrated high-velocity horizontal ictal-nystagmus (SPV, 44.2°/s and 68.2°/s in post-CI secondary endolymphatic hydrop and Ménière's disease). Direction-changing nystagmus was observed in 80 and 75%. Two were diagnosed with presumed autoimmune inner ear disease (SPV, 6.6°/s and 172.9°/s). One patient was diagnosed with probable vestibular migraine (15.1°/s).VHIT gains were 0.80 ± 0.20 (lateral), 0.70 ± 0.17 (anterior), and 0.62 ± 0.27 (posterior) in the implanted ear, with abnormal values in 33, 35, and 35% of each canal. Bone-conducted cervical and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials were asymmetric in 52 and 29% of patients (all lateralized to the implanted ear) with mean asymmetry ratios of 51.2 and 35.7%. Reversible reduction in vHIT gain was recorded in three acutely symptomatic patients. CONCLUSION: High-velocity, direction-changing nystagmus time-locked with vertigo attacks may be observed in post-CI implant vertigo and may indicate endolymphatic hydrops. Fluctuating vHIT gain may be an additional marker of a recurrent peripheral vestibulopathy.

MRI can help differentiate Ménière's disease from other menieriform diseases.

It is difficult to distinguish other pathologies mimicking Ménière's disease (MD) clinically. This study aims to investigate the differences of imaging findings and features between MD and other menieriform diseases via intravenous gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 426 patients with menieriform symptoms, including MD, vestibular migraine (VM), and vestibular schwannoma (VS), underwent 3D-FLAIR and 3D-T2WI MRI 6 h after the intravenous gadolinium injection. MR images were analyzed for inner ear morphology, perilymphatic enhancement (PE), EH and other abnormalities. EH was observed at a higher rate in MD patients (85.71%) than patients with other menieriform diseases (VM group = 14.75%, VS group = 37.50%). The prevalence of unilateral EH as well as both cochlear and vestibular EH showed significant differences between MD and VM groups. The prevalence of cochlear EH (I and II) and vestibular EH (II and III) was different between MD and VM groups. The prevalence of PE was higher in MD than VM group. The degrees of cochlear and vestibular hydrops were higher in the definite than probable MD group (P < 0.05). Using these imaging features, MRI can be used to help differentiate MD from other menieriform diseases.

Tinnitus Footprints in the Cochlea.

The purpose of this paper is to show how temporal bone histopathology has been instrumental in adding knowledge about the origin of tinnitus in the cochlea and how it will still be useful for that purpose in the future. The papers published on this subject will be reviewed, and their contributions will be highlighted. The knowledge that is now part of the subject will be pointed out, and future research on this area will be pointed out.

Long-term effects of middle ear pressure therapy with the EFET01 device in patients with Ménière's disease and delayed endolymphatic hydrops in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Long-term efficacy of middle ear pressure therapy (MEPT) with the EFET01 device in patients in Japan with definitive Ménière's disease (MD) and delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) was evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of reducing vertigo attacks and improving hearing of MD and DEH patients by using MEPT with the EFET01 device for two years after treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of 32 MD patients and 2 DEH patients treated by MEPT with the EFET01 device from December 2018 to April 2021. According to Japan Society for Equilibrium Research (JSER) guidelines, patients were investigated for the frequency of vertigo attacks and change in hearing levels during a period of 6 months before to 18-24 months after start of treatment. RESULTS: The frequency of vertigo attacks significantly decreased in both MD and DEH patients, and hearing level has remained stable in the majority of our patients after treatment. CONCLUSION: Our study clarified that MEPT with the EFET01 device was effective in controlling vertigo symptoms of MD and DEH. It should be considered a safe option for patients failing medical treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: The efficacy of MEPT with the EFET01 was shown over a 2-year follow-up period.

OCT imaging of endolymphatic hydrops in mice: association with hearing loss.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of Ménière's disease (MD) is still not completely clear, but it is believed to be associated with endolymphatic hydrops (EH), which is characterized by auditory functional disorders. Vasopressin injection in C57BL/6J mice can induce EH and serve as a model for MD. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has shown its advantages as a non-invasive imaging method for observing EH.AimInvestigating the relationship between hearing loss and EH to assist clinical hearing assessments and indicate the severity of hydrops. METHODS: C57BL/6J mice received 50 µg/100g/day vasopressin injections to induce EH. Auditory function was assessed using auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE). OCT was used to visualize the cochlea. RESULT: OCT observed accumulation of fluid within the scala media in the cochlear apex. ABR showed significant hearing loss after 4 weeks. DPOAE revealed low-frequency hearing loss at 2 weeks and widespread damage across frequencies at 4 weeks. CONCLUSION: The development of hearing loss in mouse models of MD is consistent with EH manifestations.SignificanceThis study demonstrates the possibility of indirectly evaluating the extent of EH through auditory assessment and emphasizes the significant value of OCT for imaging cochlear structures.

[Analysis of wideband acoustic immittance measurements in patients with unilateral Ménière's disease].

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of wideband acoustic immittance（WAI） measurements in patients with unilateral Ménière's disease（MD） and evaluate the clinical value of WAI in diagnosis of MD. Methods:WAI was performed in 30 patients with unilateral MD（30 ears for symptomatic and 30 ears for asymptomatic） and in 26 healthy individuals（52 ears）（control group）. The WAI measurements, including the frequency first appearing two peaks in energy absorbance（EA） tympanogram, resonance frequency（RF）, the peak value of absorbance（PVA）, the integral area of absorbance（IAA）, EA curve at peak pressure, were analyzed. Results:①The occurrence of two peaks in EA tympanogram in both the MD symptomatic and asymptomatic ear was observed in 27 ears（84.4%）, and 38 ears（70.4%） in the control group, with no significant difference in the frequency of first appearing in two peaks onset between the groups（all P>0.05）. ②The RF of the MD symptomatic ears was significantly lower than that of the asymptomatic ears（t=-3.544, P=0.001） and that of the control subjects（t=2.084, P=0.041）; there was no difference of RF between the MD asymptomatic ears and the control group（P>0.05）. ③The PVA were significantly lower in both MD symptomatic（t=4.240, P<0.01） and asymptomatic ears（t=4.202, P=0.001） than in controls. ④The IAA in MD symptomatic（t=3.295, P=0.001） and asymptomatic ears（t=3.193, P=0.003） was significantly lower than in the control group. ⑤Comparison of the EA curve at peak pressure of the three groups: the EAs of MD symptomatic ears were lower than those of the control group at the range of 1 059-2 911 Hz（all P<0.05）; the EAs of MD symptomatic ears were lower than those of MD asymptomatic ears within 1 000 Hz and 1 834-2 119 Hz（all P<0.05）; the EAs of MD asymptomatic ears were lower than those of the control group at the range of 515-2 748 Hz（all P<0.05）. Conclusion:Symptomatic ears in unilateral MD patients show alterations in some WAI measurements compared to asymptomatic ears and/or controls, suggesting that middle ear mechanical fuction of the affected side may be modified due to the endolymphatic hydrops. The clinical significance of WAI needs to be further explored in the context of evaluating MD.

Ménière's disease and allergy: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and therapy.

The etiology of Ménière's disease (MD) remains controversial. Allergies are potential extrinsic factors that, in conjunction with underlying intrinsic factors, may cause MD. The link between allergies and MD was first described in 1923. For nearly a century, studies have demonstrated a possible link between allergies and MD, even though a causal relationship has not been definitively determined. Previous reviews have mainly focused on clinical epidemiology studies of patients. In this review, we shed light on the association between allergies and MD not only in terms of its epidemiology, but also from an immunology, pathophysiology, and immunotherapy perspective in both patients and animal models. Patients with MD tend to have a high risk of comorbid allergies or an allergy history, showing positive allergy immunology characteristics. Other MD-related diseases, such as migraine, may also interact with allergies. Allergy mediators such as IgE may worsen the symptoms of MD. Deposits of IgE in the vestibular end organs indicate the ability of the inner ear to participate in immune reactions. Allergic challenges can induce vertigo in animals and humans. Anti-allergy therapy plays a positive role in patients with MD and animal models of endolymphatic hydrops.

Evaluation of the relationship between endolymphatic hydrops and hearing loss in Meniere's disease based on three-dimensional real inversion recovery sequence.

OBJECTIVES: The degree of endolymphatic hydrops in Meniere's disease may be related to hearing loss. However, the results of prior studies have been inconsistent. We aimed to investigate the relationship between endolymphatic hydrops and hearing loss characteristics in Meniere's disease. METHODS: This study included 54 patients (62 ears) with Meniere's disease. Patients underwent three-dimensional real inversion recovery sequences for magnetic resonance imaging and pure-tone audiometry. Endolymphatic hydrops were assessed according to Gurkov's criteria (2011). Correlations between different degrees of endolymphatic hydrops and pure-tone audiometry, as well as staging, were analysed. RESULTS: Pure tone audiometry and staging were higher for vestibular endolymphatic hydrops complicated by cochlear ones than isolated cochlear or vestibular hydrops (both p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between vestibular endolymphatic hydrops and pure-tonal audiometry or staging (all p > 0.05). The degree of hydrops in the middle turn was correlated with the mid-frequency hearing threshold (p < 0.05). The degree of cochlear hydrops was correlated with the audiometry, low-frequency hearing thresholds, mid-frequency hearing thresholds and staging (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The types and sites of endolymphatic hydrops based on a 3D-real inversion recovery sequence can be used to indicate the degree of hearing loss in patients with Meniere's disease. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.