Clinical Report: Pathological Characteristics of the Endolymphatic Sac in DEH

Overview

This study investigates the angular trajectory of the vestibular aqueduct (ATVA) in patients with ipsilateral delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) compared to unilateral Ménière’s disease (MD) and control participants.

Background

Delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) and Ménière’s disease (MD) are both characterized by endolymphatic hydrops, but they exhibit distinct clinical features. Understanding the pathological characteristics of the endolymphatic sac (ES) in these conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management. The angular trajectory of the vestibular aqueduct (ATVA) serves as a radiological indicator to differentiate between pathological types of ES in these patients.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• ATVA ≤ 120° was more frequent in DEH-affected ears compared to MD-affected ears.
• ATVA ≥ 140° was less frequent in DEH-affected ears compared to MD-affected ears.
• No significant difference in ATVA distribution was found between affected ears of DEH patients and control ears.
• The prevalence of ATVA categories in affected ears of DEH patients was comparable to that in non-affected ears.
• Degenerative ES may be the dominant pathological type in ipsilateral DEH patients.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate the importance of the angular trajectory of the vestibular aqueduct in evaluating patients with ipsilateral DEH.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of ATVA as a radiological indicator in distinguishing pathological types of the endolymphatic sac in patients with ipsilateral DEH.

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