Cochlear and Vestibular Lesions in Capsular Otosclerosis as Seen in Microdissection

1978 ◽  
Vol 87 (2_suppl2) ◽  
pp. 1-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars-Göran Johnsson ◽  
Joseph E. Hawkins ◽  
Fred H. Linthicum
Keyword(s):  
Hair Cells ◽  
Round Window ◽  
Organ Of Corti ◽  
Otic Capsule ◽  
Scala Tympani ◽  
Toxic Factor ◽  
Basal Turn ◽  
Vestibular Pathology ◽  
Temporal Bones ◽  
State Of Activity

In 24 temporal bones from patients with otosclerosis prepared by the method of microdissection and surface preparations, otosclerotic foci could be clearly seen during removal of the otic capsule. The state of activity of each focus was estimated on the basis of its consistency and vascularity. Small anterior foci constituted the most common form of involvement of the otic capsule. All were judged to be inactive, and none of them appeared to have caused obvious sensorineural degeneration. No cases of “pure cochlear otosclerosis” were seen. Sensorineural degeneration was associated with large anterior foci which reached the upper basal turn. One specimen displayed a circumscribed sensorineural degeneration in the upper basal turn, with an almost exact correspondence between the location and extent of the cochlear lesion and the site of invasion by the otosclerotic process in the bone and endosteum bordering on scala media and scala tympani. It is postulated that a toxic factor had diffused from the focus and acted directly on the organ of Corti. When multiple foci were present they were usually poorly defined. The otosclerotic process involved the round window, with new lamellar bone formation in the scala tympani of the lower half of the basal turn. The most extensive sensorineural degeneration in the entire material was seen in this group. One specimen also had severe cochlear hydrops. In three specimens large shunts were observed to connect the otosclerotic foci with the cochlear vasculature, which was severely dilated. Where otosclerosis involved the endosteum of the scala tympani, loss of vessels was observed. One specimen with extensive active capsular otosclerosis had severe sensorineural degeneration of the vestibular system. Vestibular pathology in fenestrated ears is also described. In a specimen from a patient with no caloric reaction, numerous hair cells were present in the macular organs.

Temporal bone study of development of the organ of Corti: correlation between auditory function and anatomical structure

2007 ◽  
Vol 122 (4) ◽  
pp. 336-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
A G Bibas ◽  
J Xenellis ◽  
L Michaels ◽  
S Anagnostopoulou ◽  
E Ferekidis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hair Cells ◽  
Organ Of Corti ◽  
Full Term ◽  
Tectorial Membrane ◽  
Adult Size ◽  
Auditory Function ◽  
Subsequent Formation ◽  
Basal Turn ◽  
Pillar Cells ◽  
Temporal Bones

AbstractObjective:To study the development of the organ of Corti in the human cochlea, and to correlate our findings with the onset of auditory function.Material and methods:Step sections of 81 human fetal temporal bones were studied, from eight weeks of gestation to full term.Results:By the end of the 10th week, the tectorial membrane primordium could be traced even in the most apical turns. Individual hair cells became identifiable at the basal turn at 14 weeks. At the same time, a small but well formed oval space was observed between the inner and outer hair cells in the basal turn. This does not correspond to the tunnel of Corti, as is erroneously quoted in the literature, as the individual pillar cells develop at later stages. Between 14 and 15 weeks, Hensen's cells were recognised for the first time. Individual pillar cells were identifiable at 17 weeks and the tunnel of Corti opened at 20 weeks. By 25 weeks, the cochlea had reached its adult size, but continued to develop until full term.Discussion and conclusions:A temporal coincidence of different developmental events is responsible for early fetal audition at 20 weeks, including growth of pillar cells, opening of the tunnel of Corti and regression of Kollicker's organ, with the subsequent formation of the inner spiral sulcus and then separation of the tectorial membrane. The fine structures of the organ of Corti continue to develop well after the 25th week, and this may well alter the mechanical properties of the vibrating parts of the cochlea, which may in turn account for the frequency shift observed in preterm infants. These changes will have to be taken into account in the development of prenatal hearing screening tests.

Chronic Intracochlear Electrode Implantation: Cochlear Pathology and Acoustic Nerve Survival

1974 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert A. Schindler ◽  
Michael M. Merzenich
Keyword(s):  
Hair Cells ◽  
Bone Growth ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Stria Vascularis ◽  
Round Window ◽  
Spiral Ganglion ◽  
Nerve Fibers ◽  
Spiral Ligament ◽  
Scala Tympani ◽  
Temporal Bones

The temporal bones of ten cats implanted with intracochlear electrodes for three to 117 weeks were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined with light microscopy. The electrodes were embedded in Silastic® which was molded to fill the most basal 9 mm of the scala tympani. They were inserted directly into the scala through the round window. Among our observations were the following: 1) All or nearly all hair cells were lost in the basal coil during the first several weeks after implantation. Some, but not all, supporting cells were also lost. There was extensive hair cell loss in the middle and apical turns, although some hair cells were seen there in all examined cats. 2) There was evidence of degeneration of spiral ganglion cells in the basal cochlea in several animals, but most primary auditory neurons including (with two exceptions) most of those in the region directly over the electrode, survived implantation in every cat. The radial nerve fibers of the spiral ganglion cells also survived long-term implantation. The functional viability of remaining spiral ganglion cells was confirmed in acute neurophysiological experiments conducted just before the animals were sacrificed. 3) More severe degeneration was seen in two cats in which the electrode perforated the basilar partition. In these animals, there was loss of many spiral ganglion cells, and evidence of new bone growth in the region of the perforation. 4) The appearance of the stria vascularis and spiral ligament in some implanted animals paralleled their descriptions following occlusion of the cochlear vein. 5) Connective tissue formed around the electrode surfaces, apparently displacing perilymph and sealing the electrode into the scala tympani. There was no evidence of perilymph fistula in any animal. 6) There was little evidence of progressive degeneration of the organ of Corti or spiral ganglion from three to 34 weeks after implantation. Some of the implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.

Electron Microscopic Findings in Presbycusic Degeneration of the Basal Turn of the Human Cochlea

1979 ◽  
Vol 87 (6) ◽  
pp. 818-836 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph B. Nadol
Keyword(s):  
Light Microscopy ◽  
Hair Cells ◽  
Basilar Membrane ◽  
Ganglion Cells ◽  
Nerve Fibers ◽  
Degenerative Changes ◽  
Supporting Cells ◽  
Neural Degeneration ◽  
Basal Turn ◽  
Temporal Bones

Three human temporal bones with presbycusis affecting the basal turn of the cochlea were studied by light and electron microscopy. Conditions in two ears examined by light microscopy were typical of primary neural degeneration, with a descending audiometric pattern, loss of cochlear neurons in the basal turn, and preservation of the organ of Corti. Ultrastructural analysis revealed normal hair cells and marked degenerative changes of the remaining neural fibers, especially in the basal turn. These changes included a decrease in the number of synapses at the base of hair cells, accumulation of cellular debris in the spiral bundles, abnormalities of the dendritic fibers and their sheaths in the osseous spiral lamina, and degenerative changes in the spiral ganglion cells and axons. These changes were interpreted as an intermediate stage of degeneration prior to total loss of nerve fibers and ganglion cells as visualized by light microscopy. In the third ear the changes observed were typical of primary degeneration of hair and supporting cells in the basal turn with secondary neural degeneration. Additional observations at an ultrastructural level included maintenance of the tight junctions of the scala media despite loss of both hair and supporting cells, suggesting a capacity for cellular “healing” in the inner ear. Degenerative changes were found in the remaining neural fibers in the osseous spiral lamina. In addition, there was marked thickening of the basilar membrane in the basal turn, which consisted of an increased number of fibrils and an accumulation of amorphous osmiophilic material in the basilar membrane. This finding supports the concept that mechanical alterations may occur in presbycusis of the basal turn.

Evaluating Intracochlear Trauma after Cochlear Implant Electrode Insertion through Middle Fossa Approach in Temporal Bones

2017 ◽  
Vol 158 (2) ◽  
pp. 350-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Carlos Cisneros Lesser ◽  
Rubens de Brito ◽  
Graziela de Souza Queiroz Martins ◽  
Eloisa Maria Mello Santiago Gebrim ◽  
Ricardo Ferreira Bento
Keyword(s):  
Cochlear Implant ◽  
Round Window ◽  
Middle Cranial Fossa ◽  
Middle Fossa ◽  
Insertion Depth ◽  
Middle Fossa Approach ◽  
Basal Turn ◽  
Fresh Frozen ◽  
Electrode Insertion ◽  
Temporal Bones

Objective To evaluate cochlear trauma after cochlear implant insertion through a middle fossa approach by means of histologic and imaging studies in temporal bones. Study Design Prospective cadaveric study. Setting University-based temporal bone laboratory. Subjects and Methods Twenty fresh-frozen temporal bones were implanted through a middle cranial fossa basal turn cochleostomy. Ten received a straight electrode and 10 a perimodiolar electrode. Samples were fixed in epoxy resin. Computed tomography (CT) scans determined direction, depth of insertion, and the cochleostomy to round window distance. The samples were polished by a microgrinding technique and microscopically visualized to evaluate intracochlear trauma. Descriptive and analytic statistics were performed to compare both groups. Results The CT scan showed intracochlear insertions in every bone, 10 directed to the middle/apical turn and 10 to the basal turn. In the straight electrode group, the average number of inserted electrodes was 12.3 vs 15.1 for the perimodiolar group ( U = 78, P = .0001). The median insertion depth was larger for the perimodiolar group (14.4 mm vs 12.5 mm, U = 66, P = .021). Only 1 nontraumatic insertion was achieved and 14 samples (70%) had important trauma (Eshraghi grades 3 and 4). No differences were identified comparing position or trauma grades for the 2 electrode models or when comparing trauma depending on the direction of insertion. Conclusion The surgical technique allows a proper intracochlear insertion, but it does not guarantee a correct scala tympani position and carries the risk of important trauma to cochlear microstructures.

Pathology of labyrinthine ossification

1991 ◽  
Vol 105 (8) ◽  
pp. 621-624 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher deSouza ◽  
Michael M. Paparella ◽  
Pat Schachern ◽  
Tae H. Yoon
Keyword(s):  
Inner Ear ◽  
Otitis Media ◽  
Osseous Tissue ◽  
Scala Tympani ◽  
Fabry’S Disease ◽  
Fabry's Disease ◽  
Basal Turn ◽  
Vascular Compromise ◽  
Temporal Bones

AbstractOssification of the inner ear is the result of multifactorial pathogeneses, such as infection or malignant infiltration, and otosclerosis. Ossification of the innerear spaces is a well documented sequela of suppurative labyrinthitis. In this study of human temporal bones, sections from 14 patients (28 temporal bones)were studied. In additionto the osseous tissue within the inner ear, findings included neoplasms, otosclerosis, otitis media, trauma, and Fabry's disease. We have attempted to correlate these conditions and their influence on the formation of osseous tissue within the spaces of the inner ear. Tympanogenic infection and vascular compromise were found to play an important role in ossification. The scala tympani ofthe basal turn of the cochlea was frequently the site involved.

Histopathological and audiological effects of mechanical trauma associated with the placement of an intracochlear electrode, and the benefit of corticosteroid infusion: prospective animal study

2014 ◽  
Vol 128 (8) ◽  
pp. 702-708 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Malkoc ◽  
A Dalgic ◽  
M Koc ◽  
T Kandogan ◽  
S Korkmaz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Topical Corticosteroid ◽  
Animal Study ◽  
Hair Cells ◽  
Normal Saline ◽  
Round Window ◽  
Osmotic Pump ◽  
Mechanical Trauma ◽  
Round Window Membrane ◽  
Scala Tympani

AbstractObjective:This study aimed to present the histopathological and audiological effects of mechanical trauma associated with the placement of a model electrode in the scala tympani in rats, and the effects of continuous topical corticosteroid application.Method:The study comprised three groups of rats. The round window membrane was perforated in all three groups and a model electrode was inserted in the round window. Group one received no further treatments. Groups two and three also had an intrathecal microcatheter compatible with a mini-osmotic pump inserted; in group two this was used to release normal saline and in group three the pump released 400 µg/ml dexamethasone.Results:Dexamethasone infusion given after implantation of the intracochlear model electrode was more effective for preventing hearing loss than the administration of just one dose of dexamethasone.Conclusion:The findings suggest that continuous dexamethasone infusion is beneficial for preventing the loss of hair cells and neurons associated with early and late periods of intracochlear electrode trauma.

scholarly journals Scanning Electron Microscopy of the Human Organ of Corti

1983 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 269-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Wright
Keyword(s):  
Hair Cells ◽  
Organ Of Corti ◽  
Outer Hair Cells ◽  
Sensory Cells ◽  
Surface Appearance ◽  
Human Organ ◽  
Human Cochlea ◽  
Temporal Bones ◽  
Subsequent Staining ◽  
Scanning Electron

The human cochlea has been preserved from post-mortem autolysis by perfusion with a fixative shortly after death. Subsequent staining with osmium permits dissection of this structure from the temporal bone. (Temporal bones were obtained from eight patients). When prepared for examination in the scanning electron microscope, the auditory sensory cells are found to be located in the band-like organ of Corti which extends the length of the cochlea. The sensory cells have a cluster of stereocilia projecting from their free upper surface and because of this are called hair cells. The hair cells are divided into two separate groups: a single row of inner hair cells, which show little variation in their surface appearance along the length of the cochlea, and three or four rows of outer hair cells whose cilia change in conformation and increase in length along the cochlea.

scholarly journals Atraumatic Insertion of a Cochlear Implant Pre-Curved Electrode Array by a Robot-Automated Alignment with the Coiling Direction of the Scala Tympani

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Renato Torres ◽  
Baptiste Hochet ◽  
Hannah Daoudi ◽  
Fabienne Carré ◽  
Isabelle Mosnier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Navigation System ◽  
Electrode Array ◽  
Automated System ◽  
Cone Beam ◽  
Scala Tympani ◽  
Basal Turn ◽  
Coiling Direction ◽  
Grinding Technique ◽  
Temporal Bones ◽  
Automated Alignment

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Electrode array translocation is an unpredictable event with all types of arrays, even using a teleoperated robot in a clinical scenario. We aimed to compare the intracochlear trauma produced by the HiFocus™ Mid-Scala (MS) electrode array (Advanced Bionics, Valencia, CA, USA) using a teleoperated robot, with an automated robot connected to a navigation system to align the pre-curved tip of the electrode array with the coiling direction of the scala tympani (ST). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Fifteen freshly frozen temporal bones were implanted with the MS array using the RobOtol® (Collin, Bagneux, France). In the first group (<i>n</i> = 10), the robot was teleoperated to insert the electrode array into the basal turn of the ST under stereomicroscopic vision, and then the array was driven by a slow-speed hydraulic insertion technique with an estimated placement of the pre-curved electrode tip. In the second group (<i>n</i> = 5), 3 points were obtained from the preoperative cone-beam computed tomography: the 2 first defining the ST insertion axis of the basal turn and a third one at the center of the ST at 270°. They provided the information to the automated system (RobOtol® connected with a navigation system) to automatically align the electrode array with the ST insertion axis and to aim the pre-curved tip toward the subsequent coiling of the ST. After this, the electrode array was manually advanced. Finally, the cochleae were obtained and fixed in a crystal resin, and the position of each electrode was determined by a micro-grinding technique. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In all cases, the electrode array was fully inserted into the cochlea and the depth of insertion was similar using both techniques. With the teleoperated robotic technique, translocations of the array were observed in 7/10 insertions (70%), but neither trauma nor array translocation occurred with automated robotic insertion. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> We have successfully tested an automated insertion system (robot + navigation) that could accurately align a pre-curved electrode array to the axis of the basal turn of the ST and its subsequent coiling, which reduced intracochlear insertion trauma and translocation.

Distribution of PLGA nanoparticles in chinchilla cochleae

2007 ◽  
Vol 137 (4) ◽  
pp. 619-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xianxi Ge ◽  
Ronald L. Jackson ◽  
Jianzhong Liu ◽  
Elizabeth A. Harper ◽  
Michael E. Hoffer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inner Ear ◽  
Round Window ◽  
Organ Of Corti ◽  
Plga Nanoparticles ◽  
Round Window Membrane ◽  
Scala Tympani ◽  
Magnetic Forces ◽  
Magnetic Exposure ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Electron Energy Loss

Objectives To study the distribution of polylactic/glycolic acid–encapsulated iron oxide nanoparticles (PLGA-NPs) in chinchilla cochleae after application on the round window membrane (RWM). Study Design and Setting Six chinchillas (12 ears) were equally divided into controls (no treatments) and experimen-tals (PLGA-NP with or without magnetic exposure). After 40 minutes of PLGA-NP placement on the RWM, perilymph was withdrawn from the scala tympani. The RWM and cochleae were fixed with 2.5% glutaraldehyde and processed for transmission electron microscopy. Results Nanoparticles were found in cochleae with or without exposure to magnet forces appearing in the RWM, perilymph, endolymph, and multiple locations in the organ of Corti. Electron energy loss spectroscopy confirmed iron elements in nanoparticles. Conclusion The nanoparticles were distributed throughout the inner ear after application on the chinchilla RWM, with and without magnetic forces. Significance PLGA-NP applied to the RWM may have potential for sustained therapy to the inner ear.

Pathophysiology of the Ototoxicity of Cis-Diamminedichloroplatinum

1981 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shizuo Komune ◽  
Shinichiro Asakuma ◽  
James B. Snow
Keyword(s):  
Hair Cells ◽  
Stria Vascularis ◽  
Organ Of Corti ◽  
Outer Hair Cells ◽  
Cochlear Microphonics ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Basal Turn ◽  
Summating Potential ◽  
Dc Potential ◽  
Histopathologic Changes

The electrophysiologic and histopathologic changes in the inner ear caused by the administration of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CP) were studied in guinea pigs. The endocochlear dc potential (EP) gradually decreased after the intravenous injection of CP and reached approximately 0 mV on the fourth day, but the EP did not become negative. The cochlear microphonics also diminished and could not be recorded on the fourth day. The negative potential of the organ of Corti remained in the normal range during the experiment. A large negative summating potential (SP) was observed one day after injection, but the amplitude of the negative SP became small on the second day. Light microscopic examination demonstrated that the outer hair cells are destroyed in the basal turn of the cochlea and are preserved in the upper turns, while the inner hair cells are almost completely preserved in all turns. The stria vascularis was found to be slightly atrophic. Severe collapse of Reissner's membrane was observed in the basal turn.

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