Blockage of longitudinal flow in Meniere's disease: A human temporal bone study

Abstract

Conclusion: Blockage of the endolymphatic duct is a significant finding in Meniere's disease. The position of the utriculo-endolymphatic valve (UEV) and blockage of the ductus reuniens in the temporal bones were not found to be directly indicative of Meniere's disease. Objective: Comparison of blockage of the longitudinal flow of endolymph between ears affected by Meniere's disease and normal ears. Methods: We examined 21 temporal bones from 13 subjects who had Meniere's disease and 21 normal temporal bones from 12 controls. Results: The endolymphatic duct was blocked in five (23%) ears affected by Meniere's disease (p = 0.016). The utricular duct was blocked in 16 (76%) ears affected by Meniere's disease and 11 (52%) normal ears (p = 0.112). The saccular duct was blocked in 6 (28%) of ears affected by Meniere's disease and 16 (76%) normal ears (p = 0.001). The ductus reuniens was blocked in 10 (47%) ears affected by Meniere's disease and 10 (47%) normal ears (p = 1.000).

Keywords::

• Histopathology
• endolymphatic hydrops
• endolymphatic duct
• utriculo-endolymphatic valve
• ductus reuniens
• fistula

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the following institutions: the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) (3U24DC008559-03S1); the International Hearing Foundation, the Lions 5M International of Minnesota; and the Starkey Foundation. We appreciate the invaluable contributions of Carolyn Sutherland and Monika Schachern.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.