Histopathology of Nonotosclerotic Stapes Fixations

Abstract

Two thirds of nonotosclerotic stapes footplates represented complete pathologic bone remodeling. Unlike otosclerosis, nonotosclerotic stapes fixations were characterized by basic histopathologic findings without organ specificity that can also be identified in case of different diseases. Prevalence of nonotosclerotic stapes ankylosis is approximately 30 to 40% among stapes fixation cases. The long-term prognosis and surgical considerations theoretically differ from those of otosclerosis.

Controversies in RELN/reelin expression in otosclerosis

“…The small picture shows a reelin-positive astrocyte (white arrow) Table 1). In the eight non-otosclerotic stapes footplates, histological examinations revealed annular, stapediovestibular calciWcation with marked thickening of the stapes footplate [2] (Fig. 2, Table 1).…”

“…Histological diagnosis of otosclerosis was established in 14 ankylotic stapes footplates [2] (Fig. 2, Table 1).…”

“…Histological otosclerosis has been reported as 8-11% of prevalence in large unselected autopsy series [1]. Otosclerosis represents approximately 70% of stapes ankylosis cases leading to consecutive hearing loss [2]. As to simplify the deWnition of stapes ankylosis, we should emphasize that otosclerosis results in stapes Wxation, while stapes Wxation can be determined by other diseases than otosclerosis [2].…”

“…As to simplify the deWnition of stapes ankylosis, we should emphasize that otosclerosis results in stapes Wxation, while stapes Wxation can be determined by other diseases than otosclerosis [2]. Since, otosclerosis and non-otosclerotic stapes ankylosis cannot be separated clinically, diVerential diagnosis is still based on histopathological examination of the removed stapes footplates [2]. Despite of the intense research in the latest years, etiopathogenesis of otosclerosis remained unclear.…”

“…Otosclerosis represents approximately 70% of stapes ankylosis cases leading to consecutive hearing loss [2]. As to simplify the deWnition of stapes ankylosis, we should emphasize that otosclerosis results in stapes Wxation, while stapes Wxation can be determined by other diseases than otosclerosis [2]. Since, otosclerosis and non-otosclerotic stapes ankylosis cannot be separated clinically, diVerential diagnosis is still based on histopathological examination of the removed stapes footplates [2].…”