[Perilymphatic gushers: myths and reality].

The term perilymphatic gusher refers to the escape of inner ear fluid under pressure through the oval window, generally during surgery for otosclerosis. It also appears during cochlear implantation. We reviewed the morphological aspects of the temporal bone of patients with perilymphatic gusher. The cases of three patients with the features of cerebrospinal fluid leaks under pressure cited in the literature are described. Anatomic and pathologic features are discussed in the light of knowledge of molecular genetics.