The vestibular aqueduct in clinical radiography.

The gross morphology of the vestibular aqueduct and its clinical significance are better understood against the background of the endolymphatic duct and sac, which is still a matter of hypotheses. They are concerned with functions of the endolymphatic sac like secretion and absorption of endolymph, desintegration of cells and other debris from the inner ear and phagocytosis. The endolymphatic sac in the vestibular aqueduct is also thought to have a pressure regulation function for the labyrinth and also to deal with the metabolism of the inner ear and the desintegration of otoconia. Pathology in this area is also a matter of vital discussion. The indications for surgical intervention are consequently a matter of controversary. Radiographic research has concentrated both on the normal radioanatomy of the aqueduct and its appearances in cases of Meniere's disease and of inner ear malformations. Digression from the normal appearance can be demonstrated with multidirectional tomography and CT.