「内耳形態と細胞機能の研究手法」３．ＭＲＩによる内耳形態の観察

Abstract

We introduce a method to diagnose sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular disorder using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The main pathological finding in patients with Meniere's disease is distention of the entire endolymphatic system, i.e., endolymphatic hydrops, and its diagnosis depends primarily upon a history of fluctuating hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as episodic vertigo associated with vegetative symptoms. Therefore, the development of a practical tool to obtain objective evidence of the existence of endolymphatic hydrops is important. We applied a high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging device running at 2.11 T, 4.7 T, and 7.05 T for the non-invasive depiction of the fine structure of the inner ear in humans and guinea pigs. We have succeeded in depicting both the basilar and Reissner's membranes of the basal turn of the cochlea. In this paper, we present our results using high-resolution MRI and discuss the current status in this field. We suggest the possibility of using MRI for the morphological and functional diagnosis of inner ear pathology in the near future.