Scanning Electron Microscopy in a Case of Infantile Inborn Deafness

Abstract

Reiss G, Vollrath M. Scanning electron microscopy in a case of infantile inborn deafness. Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 1990; Suppl. 470: 109–113.

The temporal bones of a one-year-old, congenially deaf boy were removed 3 1/2 days post mortem, fixed in formaldehyde and prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). in the apical coil the organ of Corti had the normal configuration. in the second coil there was a continuous decrease of both the number of sensory cells and their conservation. Altered sensory cells with giant or bullous distended hairs were found. Throughout the basal coil the hairs of the sensory cells were absent, while the other cells of the organ of Corti appeared normal.

Key Words:

• scanning electron microscopy
• infantile congenital deafness
• organ of Corti
• sensory cells
• delayed fixation