Endolymphatic Hydrops: Pathophysiology and Etiology

Abstract

Endolymphatic hydrops (EH) represents a histopathologic finding in which the structures bounding the endolymphatic space are distended by an enlargement of endolymphatic volume. EH primarily involves the cochlear duct and saccule but can involve the utricle and ampullae of the semicircular canals. EH is a consistent finding in patients with Meniere’s disease, however, the reverse is not true. EH may occur as a consequence of a variety of disorders, including DFNA 9, Alport syndrome, serous labyrinthitis, suppurative labyrinthitis, otosyphilis, temporal bone fracture, surgical trauma, neoplasm, immune disorders, otosclerosis, or Paget’s disease. The mechanism of development of hydrops is also unclear. This review provides information to understand the recent pathophysiologic mechanism and causal disoders in EH.