A calcareous concretion in the posterior semicircular duct of a human labyrinth

Charles G. Wright, Roland C. Rouse, Gary H. Zajic, Steven D. Schaefer, David G. Hubbard, Leo A. Barnard

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Temporal bones were acquired four hours post mortem from a 67-year-old cancer patient. During dissection of the left vestibular labyrinth, a glistening white, spherical concretion was found in the posterlor semicircular duct near the ampulla. The object was subsequently studied by light and scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and x-ray energy dispersive elemental analysis. It was composed of four concentric layers: an outer zone of tabular vaterite crystals, a colorless intermediate zone of spherulitic octacalcium phosphate (OCP), and a cloudy core with inner and outer zones both composed of OCP. Examination of the vestibular receptor organs revealed severe loss of hair cells on all three cristae. Very few otoconia were present in the utricle, although the gelationous layer of the otoconial membrane was intact on the macular surface. During the year preceding his death, the patient had received 800 mg of the potentially ototoxic drug cis-platinum. The concretion described in this report was, however, probably connected with age-related degeneration rather than with any effect of the drug.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)196-201
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Medicine and Surgery
Volume3
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1982

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A calcareous concretion in the posterior semicircular duct of a human labyrinth'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this