Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of endolymphatic hydrops andpost-operative findings in cases with otosclerosis.

CONCLUSIONS: The presence of endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in the vestibule on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might be a high-risk factor for complications in cases that are candidates for stapes surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Pre-operative detection of EH could be valuable in cases that are candidates for stapes surgery to prevent unpredictable complications following surgery. Pre-operative MRI findings and post-operative findings following stapes surgery were compared to evaluate the efficacy of such MRI evaluation for the management of cases with otosclerosis.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sixteen cases who underwent pre-operative evaluation by 3T MRI performed 4 h after intravenous injection of gadolinium and stapes surgery for otosclerosis were recruited. Imaging data concerning the degree of EH in the vestibule and cochlea were compared with post-operative clinical findings for all cases.

RESULTS: Mild EH in the cochlea or the vestibule was observed in eight ears and one ear, respectively, whereas one ear showed significant EH both in the cochlea and the vestibule. The post-operative course was uneventful in 12 of 14 cases with no EH in the vestibule, and the other two cases had a short period of dizziness, but two cases with EH in the vestibule had a long period of dizziness.