Apparent apical endolymphatic hydrops: computer-aided three-dimensional reconstruction and histologic study of the apical turn of the cochlear duct.

Computer-aided three-dimensional reconstruction of the apex of a cochlea and microscopic evaluation of 14 clinically and histologically normal temporal bones were used to demonstrate that what appears to be distention of Reissner's membrane is normal anatomy. The apparent distention is the transition area between the circular insertion of the apex of the cochlear duct and the rest of Reissner's membrane, which is straight.