MRI of enlarged endolymphatic sacs in the large vestibular aqueduct syndrome

We studied ten inner ears of five patients with a bilateral large vestibular aqueduct syndrome, using CT and MRI. Although the large vestibular aqueduct varied in size, a markedly dilated endolymphatic sac extending to the sigmoid sinus was demonstrated bilaterally on MRI in all patients. The cause of hearing loss in this syndrome is unclear. However, it is suggested that reflux of the protein-rich, hyperosmolar endolymph from the enlarged endolymphatic sac (EES) into the cochlea through a widely patent endolymphatic duct may damage the neuroepithelium. CT density and spin-echo MRI signal intensity of the endolymph in EES were markedly higher than those of CSF in eight inner ears of four patients. Increased density and high signal may indicate protein-rich, hyperosmolar endolymph. In some patients with sensorineural hearing loss and EES, the vestibular aqueduct may not appear dilated on CT. MRI is therefore necessary for correct diagnosis of this syndrome, which should more correctly be termed “large endolymphatic duct and sac syndrome”. Prominent EES may predict poor prognosis in this syndrome.