Degree of pneumatization of the temporal bone and Menière's disease: are they related?
In 1983, Stahle and Wilbrand examined 63 patients and claimed that there is a correlation between defective pneumatization of the temporal bone, the length of the aqueductus vestibuli, and Meniere's disease. Since our own x-ray and surgical findings did not agree with those of Stahle and Wilbrand, we examined and assessed the pneumatization of the temporal bone volumetrically in 104 patients suffering from Meniere's disease. These examinations took place at the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic of the University of Essen from 1972 to 1987. For our investigation, we used the method of Günnel and compared our findings with those of Stahle and Wilbrand, arriving at an almost reverse distribution ratio. From our results, we conclude that a relationship between the degree of pneumatization of the temporal bone and Meniere's disease seems questionable.
Arnhold-Schneider
M
M
ENT Clinic, University of Essen, Germany.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002452:Cell Count; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008416:Mastoid / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010579:Petrous Bone / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology*; D014723:Vestibular Aqueduct / Q000002:abnormalities*; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000002:abnormalities*