Histopathological examination of a temporal bone from a patient who had classical Meniere's disease characteristically shows:

• A Distension of the endolymphatic system with bulging of Reissner's membrane into the scala vestibuli ✓
• B Collapse of the scala media with atrophy of the stria vascularis
• C Fixation of the stapes footplate with otosclerotic focus at the fissula ante fenestram
• D Loss of spiral ganglion cells confined to the apical turn with a normal membranous labyrinth

Explanation

Endolymphatic hydrops, the pathological hallmark of Meniere's disease, is a ballooning distension of the endolymphatic compartment: Reissner's membrane bows outward into the scala vestibuli, and the saccule may herniate through the utricular wall onto the footplate. Collapse of the scala media describes hydropic atrophy seen in other conditions, stapes fixation defines otosclerosis, and isolated apical ganglion cell loss is not the defining lesion here.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.