Vestibular Aging Process from 3D Physiological Imaging of the Membranous Labyrinth

There is no three-dimensional (3D) technique to study the microanatomical structures of the in vivo 3D vestibular membranous labyrinth. Recent two MRI methods using a contrast agent can only depict the low-resolution imaging of endolymphatic hydrops. Therefore, we provide the new precise volume rendering algorithms to create the in vivo 3D vestibular membranous labyrinth images from high-resolution temporal bone low-dose CT data. We also ascertain whether the created 3D microstructure images are reliable in anatomical findings. Secondary, we will analyze the age-related changes of the vestibular membranous labyrinth. These created 3D membranous vestibular images were almost consistent with the appearance, dimensions, areas, and angles from those acquired in previous histological works. The age-related image changes showed the enlarged saccule in females, the enlarged utricle in males, and the dilated tendency of the lateral semicircular duct. These results may correlate to the findings of the previous physiological works on cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and gait studies. The age-related balance disorders may be associated with the enlargement of each membranous organ in the vestibule. This new imaging technique now enables visualizing microanatomical changes in the in vivo membranous vestibulum, and these created 3D images may suggest physiological information.