http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25220723 Three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography imaging of the membranous labyrinth in patients with Meniere's disease. Yamane H1, Iguchi H, Konishi K, Sakamaoto H, Wada T, Fujioka T, Matsushita N, Imoto T. Author information Abstract Abstract Conclusion: Three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (3DCT) images revealed characteristic malformations of the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear in Meniere's disease (MD). The morphology of the membranous region between the vestibular cecum of the cochlea and the saccule of ears with MD was compared to that of healthy ears. The present study supports the hypothesis proposed earlier that reuniting duct blockade is a result of the dislodgement of saccular otoconia. OBJECTIVE: To visualize the membranous labyrinth using 3DCT and to investigate the pathology of MD. METHODS: A preparatory study was conducted to determine the optimal 3DCT window settings for the detection of water, muscle, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), and bone. Based on this preparatory study, the ears of 13 healthy volunteers and 25 MD patients definitely diagnosed according to the criteria issued by the Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium of the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), were visualized. RESULTS: The differences in the membranous labyrinth between MD ears and healthy ears could be visualized using 3DCT. The images were classified into three types based on their morphological pattern. The ears of patients with MD were different from normal ears in terms of this classification.
Wow. That is big news. I've long felt there was something physical going on. I wonder whether the difference results from MM or causes MM. I wish I understood this sentence better: "The present study supports the hypothesis proposed earlier that reuniting duct blockade is a result of the dislodgement of saccular otoconia." Do you or does anyone?
Good question I did some googleing and this may help explain it http://oto.sagepub.com/content/145/2_suppl/P101.1.short Saccular Otoconia as a Cause of Ménière Disease Hideo Yamane, MD (presenter) Masahiro Takayama Abstract Objective: Idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops can be caused by disturbance of the longitudinal flow of the endolymph in Ménière disease. This study investigated a possibility that the dislodged otoconia from the saccule could be a cause of Ménière disease by occluding the pathway of the endolymph. Method: We examined the ears of 65 patients with definitely diagnosed unilateral Ménière disease based on the criteria proposed by the AAO-HNS and the ears of normal control subjects and cadavers using three-dimensional (3D) cone beam CT by focusing on the vestibule. Results: The images of the reuniting duct and the saccular duct could be categorized by their patency. In the case of Ménière ears, both the reuniting duct and the saccular duct were occluded significantly compared with those of normal ears. The ears of the nonlesional side of Ménière patients also showed the occluded aspects of these ducts. The endolympatic sinus, which connects to the saccular duct, suggested relations with Ménière attack. Conclusion: Patients with Ménière disease often show a significantly higher incidence of blockage of the reuniting duct and saccular duct. There is a big probability that radiodense substances such as saccular otoconia falling into these ducts may be one of the etiologies of Ménière disease. here is a diagram http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3477891/figure/F9/ I guess it mean the reuniting duct gets blocked due to the saccular otoconia getting dislodged.
In one of my earlier posts, I asked when is the imaging of inner ear going to be possible? This is encouraging from the diagnostic standpoint, because of the abilty to get a picture of what is exactly going on. I think there are various reasons for vertigo which is the worst part of this disease. Getting a picture of the inner ear will let each of us know what we have. I hope this technology is available soon for all MM patients.
I'm wondering if the otoconia which is clogging Membranous labyrinth is what causes the fullness. On page 25 of topic below it says- Aurel Fullness: This is one of the most important symptoms of Meneires. This is mostly caused by enlarging membranous labyrinth. This pressure symptom is limited to one ear. http://books.google.com/books?id=QjUf0cpT_0MC&pg=PA23&lpg=PA23&dq=endolymphatic+sinus&source=bl&ots=aOV1IbbIT2&sig=0U9v1rAQBhwIuDZN4kfIv6Mdhss&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WKEZVNubIYvgoASEsoCgBw&ved=0CGUQ6AEwCw#v=onepage&q=endolymphatic%20sinus&f=false This past Saturday I added sustained Vitamin C 1000 mg morning and night, vitamin E 400mg in morning - I also have been and still taking acyclovir, lemon biofalavinoids, vinpocetine, pynogenol Monday I woke up with clear ear. VERY LOUD tinnitus. NO Vertigo. This is the 3rd day in a row that my ear is clear. No vertigo. I know I am throwing everything at this and will not know which of these is getting my ear clear. But, I do know that 29 days prior to Monday I was taking Acyclovir 800 mg 3x's PD, 1,000 mg of Lemon Bioflavinoids 2X's PD, vinpocetine 10 mg 3X's PD and 200 mg of pycnogenol PD. I am going to continue taking all of the above until I have been on them six months and symptom free.