Tomography of the vestibular aqueduct in ear disease

A controversy exists concerning whether or not roentgenographic narrowing or nonvisualization of the vestibular aqueduct is a specific sign for Meniere's disease. Of 190 ears that were evaluated, abnormal aqueducts were seen in 42.9% of ears with Meniere's disease, 45.4% of contralateral, noninvolved ears from patients with Meniere's disease, 41.3% of ears with diseases other than Meniere's disease, 30.4% of ears with no disease, and 51.6% of normal ears. Narrowing or nonvisualization of the vestibular aqueduct is a nonspecific roentgenographic sign that is seen in diseased, as well as in normal ears, and should not be used to make a diagnosis of Meniere's disease. Indications for polytomography in Meniere's disease include (1) preoperative evaluation of the aqueduct prior to endolymphatic shunt procedures and (2) exclusion of acoustic neurinomas or other organic causes of vertigo.