ISSN:
1434-4726
Keywords:
Electron microscopy
;
Inner ear
;
Utricle
;
Cholesteatoma
;
Acoustic neuroma
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract The morphological characteristics of the vestibular sensory cells of the macula utriculi obtained during surgery in a patient with a petrous apex cholesteatoma were examined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Findings were compared to cells studied in a patient with acoustic neuroma. Scanning electron microscopy showed that compared to the apparently normal cells in the acoustic neuroma case, most sensory cells in the cholesteatoma case had large cuticular plates, irregular locations of cilia and no clear polarizations. Supporting cells showed profuse short microvilli on the whole surface. With transmission electron photomicrographs, type I hair cells were not seen and certain morphological changes were observed in type-1I-like cells and supporting cells. We presume that the degenerative changes in the vestibular epithelia were due to circulatory disturbances and/or direct pressure applied to the vestibular nerve at the internal auditory canal, with subsequent involvement of the macula utriculi.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00874100
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