Three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging findings in a patient with relapsing polychondritis.
OBJECTIVE
We report three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging findings in a patient with relapsing polychondritis.


METHODS
Case report.


RESULTS
A 76-year-old woman initially presented with bilateral auricular swelling together with dyspnoea. Three months later, she experienced left hearing loss and recurrent vertigo. A biopsy of the auricle was performed and relapsing polychondritis was diagnosed. The patient underwent three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging 4 hours after intravenous injection of a standard dose of gadolinium. Gadolinium enhancement was visible throughout the vestibule and the endolymphatic space could not be visualised, suggesting breakdown of the blood-labyrinth barrier.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first radiological report to demonstrate breakdown of the blood-labyrinth barrier in a case of relapsing polychondritis with inner ear impairment.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
M
M
Kato
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
N
N
Katayama
Department of Radiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
S
S
Naganawa
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
T
T
Nakashima
D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D003287:Contrast Media; D054644:Ear Auricle / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005682:Gadolinium; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D011081:Polychondritis, Relapsing / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000473:pathology
D003287:Contrast Media; D005682:Gadolinium