Artikel
Patency of the cochlear aqueduct in Menière’s disease
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Veröffentlicht: | 30. Juli 2013 |
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Introduction: The cochlear aqueduct (CA) plays an important role in the hydrostatic inner ear pressure regulation. Its function can be impaired in inner ear pressure disorders such as in Menière’s disease. Due to its narrow diameter the patency of CA in patients with Menière’s disease is not known. The aim of this study was to compare the patency of CA in patients with Menière’s disease to healthy persons by radiological examinations.
Patients and methods: High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and high resolution magnetic resonance tomography (HRMRT) of temporal bones of 73 patients with Menière’s disease and of 30 healthy persons were analyzed retrospectively.
Results: Bony diameters in CA in HRCT did not show any differences between both groups. Fluid length was reduced in HRMRT in patients with Menière’s disease compared to healthy persons.
Conclusion: Reduced CA fluid length in HRMRT in Menière’s disease patients might be due to increased fibrous tissue in CA leading to impaired patency of CA.