CONCLUSION: Blockage of the endolymphatic duct is a significant finding in 
Meniere's disease. The position of the utriculo-endolymphatic valve (UEV) and 
blockage of the ductus reuniens in the temporal bones were not found to be 
directly indicative of Meniere's disease.
OBJECTIVE: Comparison of blockage of the longitudinal flow of endolymph between 
ears affected by Meniere's disease and normal ears.
METHODS: We examined 21 temporal bones from 13 subjects who had Meniere's 
disease and 21 normal temporal bones from 12 controls.
RESULTS: The endolymphatic duct was blocked in five (23%) ears affected by 
Meniere's disease (p = 0.016). The utricular duct was blocked in 16 (76%) ears 
affected by Meniere's disease and 11 (52%) normal ears (p = 0.112). The saccular 
duct was blocked in 6 (28%) of ears affected by Meniere's disease and 16 (76%) 
normal ears (p = 0.001). The ductus reuniens was blocked in 10 (47%) ears 
affected by Meniere's disease and 10 (47%) normal ears (p = 1.000).