pathology
Last reviewed 01/2018
The exact mechanism of the disease is controversial. Although Ménière's disease is idiopathic, endolymphatic hydrops has been postulated as the cause of the disease (1).
An excess of fluid in the endolymphatic compartment in the inner ear - endolymphatic hydrops - is the most common finding in Meniere's disease.
The increased pressure causes rupture of the inner ear membranes and mixing of endolymph and perilymph which are biochemically dissimilar, having a high and a low potassium content, respectively. This causes acute vestibulo- cochlear failure, with sudden vertigo and deafness (1).
Morphologically there is dilatation of the endolymphatic system of the cochlea, and frequently, Reissner's membrane is ruptured.
A similar situation occurs in tertiary syphilis.
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