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Histological effect of ultrasonic irradiation in Menière's disease
Abstract:
The lateral semicircular canal and the crista ampullaris from five patients previously treated with ultrasound for Menière's disease showed the following histological and ultrastructural changes: 1. The lateral semicircular canal was completely obliterated by dense connective and osteoid tissue. 2. In the subepithelial tissue in Crista ampullaris no signs of degeneration was found. The nerve fibers were normal. 3. Also the sensory cells with nerve-endings and supporting cells appeared normal. 4. In the transitional epithelium there was vacuolization and extensive swelling with protrusion of the cells into the endolymphatic space. 5. The secretory cells showed pronounced cellular vacuolization and increased intercellular space. It is concluded that the massive destruction of the normal anatomy in the lateral semicircular canal may be the morphological basis of a functional endolymphatic fistula for drainage of the endolymphatic hydrops.
Insights
Ultrasound treatment for Menière
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Histopathology
Background:
- Menière's disease is a disorder of the inner ear.
- Ultrasound therapy is a treatment modality for Menière's disease.
- Histological changes following ultrasound treatment require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histological and ultrastructural changes in the lateral semicircular canal and crista ampullaris after ultrasound treatment for Menière's disease.
Main Methods:
- Histological and ultrastructural examination of the lateral semicircular canal and crista ampullaris.
- Samples obtained from five patients treated with ultrasound for Menière's disease.
Main Results:
- Complete obliteration of the lateral semicircular canal by connective and osteoid tissue.
- Normal nerve fibers, sensory cells, and supporting cells in the crista ampullaris.
- Vacuolization and swelling in transitional and secretory epithelium of the crista ampullaris.
Conclusions:
- Massive destruction of the lateral semicircular canal anatomy may create a functional endolymphatic fistula.
- This fistula could facilitate the drainage of endolymphatic hydrops.
- Ultrasound treatment may induce significant anatomical alterations in the inner ear.