Abstract: Objective To compare the endolymphatic spaces between Menieres disease(MD)group and normal volunteer group. Methods Patients were performed administration of gadolinium to mid-ear affected by MD via non-invasive method through eustachian tube, and then performed 3D-FLAIR MRI scanning afer one day. After measurement and calculation, the RV and RC(area of endolymphatic space divided by total lymphatic space in vestibule and cochlea, respectively)between the MD group and the normal group were compared. Results The endolymphatic spaces were distinct from perilymphatic spaces in vestibule and cochlea, the average of RV was 0.39, and the standard deviation of RV was 0.07; the average of RC was 0.16, and the standard deviation of RC was 0.05. RV of the MD group had significant difference compared to that of the normal group(t=-6.07, P<0.05); RC of the MD group had no significant difference compared to that of the normal group(t=0.783, P>0.05). According to diagnosis standard raised by Liu F in previous research, the positive ratio of RV was 42.9%, while the positive RC was 9.52%. The two patients during attack period both had positive RVs. Conclusion RV of the MD group had significant difference compared to that of the normal group; RC of the MD group had no significant difference compared to that of the normal group.

Key words: Gadolinium, Endolymphatic imaging, Menieres disease, Magnetic resonance imaging, Administration through eustachian tube