What is the alternative name for the ductus endolymphaticus?

Alternative Name for Ductus Endolymphaticus

The alternative name for ductus endolymphaticus is the endolymphatic duct. 1, 2

Anatomical Context and Significance

• The endolymphatic duct is a tubular structure that connects the endolymphatic sac to the vestibular system of the inner ear 1
• It plays a critical role in endolymph homeostasis and is often implicated in the pathophysiology of Ménière's disease 1
• The isthmus portion of the endolymphatic duct is particularly significant, as diminution of its width has been observed in temporal bones from patients with Ménière's disease 1

Clinical Relevance

• Dysfunction of the endolymphatic duct is associated with endolymphatic hydrops, which is the morphological substrate of Ménière's disease 3
• Surgical interventions targeting the endolymphatic duct, such as endolymphatic duct blockage (EDB), have been developed for the treatment of refractory Ménière's disease 4
• Endolymphatic duct blockage involves obstructing the endolymphatic duct with surgical clips and has shown promising results for controlling vertigo symptoms 5

Imaging Considerations

• High-resolution T2-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE) MR imaging can be used to evaluate the endolymphatic duct and associated structures 2
• Large endolymphatic duct and sac (LEDS) is one of the most common anomalies seen in patients with congenital sensorineural hearing loss 2
• MRI of the internal auditory canal with specialized techniques can demonstrate accumulation of gadolinium in the endolymphatic sac in patients with Ménière's disease 6

Anatomical Variations and Abnormalities

• The endolymphatic duct may show variations in size and shape, with a large endolymphatic duct and sac (LEDS) being a recognized congenital anomaly 2
• LEDS is frequently associated with other inner ear anomalies, including cochlear and vestibular dysplasia 2
• Pathological changes in the endolymphatic duct, such as fibrotic changes in the perisaccular loose connective tissue, have been observed in temporal bone studies of patients with Ménière's disease 1