Hearing function after intratympanic application of gadolinium‐based contrast agent: A long‐term evaluation

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term influence of intratympanic gadolinium-based contrast agent on hearing function in patients with possible Ménière's disease and normal auditory thresholds who were undergoing locally enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scans. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study in a tertiary referral university hospital ear, nose, and throat department. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2012, 17 patients with possible or probable Ménière's disease and a four-tone pure-tone average baseline of <25 dB were recruited for our study. Before undergoing intratympanic injection of gadolinium-based contrast agent, all patients underwent a complete audiological evaluation. The study population was then invited back after at least 6 months postinjection for a follow-up auditory evaluation. This consisted of comprehensive clinical and audiological tests on both sides and were evaluated according to the ototoxicity guidelines. RESULTS: A long-term evaluation of our study group revealed no significant difference in the air-conduction pure-tone average. Furthermore, no statistical difference at individual frequencies compared to baseline was found. There was no evidence of ototoxicity in the injected ear. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term hearing function assessment after intratympanic application of gadolinium-based agent showed no evidence of ototoxicity. The use of intratympanic gadolinium-based agent in the diagnosis of Ménièrés disease is currently a helpful tool, and seems to be a safe method, especially with regard to auditory function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.