Functional Histopathology of the Human Audio-Vestibular Organ Euro-Data-Hearing

Abstract

The present paper describes the setting-up of a new project, sponsored by the Commission of the European Communities, to promote the study of functional histo-pathology of the human audio-vestibular organ. The project has the purpose of co-ordinating in Europe morphological research on the hearing and equilibrium organ and promoting the comparison of data from clinical, physiological and morphological studies in the field of hearing and equilibrium impairment. A manual (Iurato et al., 1982) has been prepared with the objectives of (1) stimulating clinicians to participate in the project, (2) encouraging the collection of audiological data for comparison with pathology, and (3) supplying clinicians with the necessary information about the technique of fixation and preparation of the specimens. The fixation procedures for the two major techniques of studying ear pathology: (1) microdissection and electron microscopy, and (2) embedding of the whole block for serial sectioning and light microscopy, are described in detail. Special paragraphs deal with the technique of fixation of the brain and with the technique of removal of the temporal bones and brain at autopsy.

The instructions for delivery of the specimens and the publication rules are enclosed in the main body of the manual. Appendix 1 contains a list of the participating laboratories. Appendix 2 deals with autopsy legislation in the different European countries. Appendix 3 contains the sender's data sheet which supplies the instructions for collecting the clinical history of the patient and the audio-logical and vestibular data.