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Study of systemic lupus erythematosus in temporal bones
M Sone1, P A Schachern, M M Paparella
1Otitis Media Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, USA.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|April 24, 1999
Summary
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause sensorineural hearing loss. Histological analysis of temporal bones revealed cochlear pathology, including blue-staining concretions and cell loss, in SLE patients.
Area of Science:
- Otopathology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Sensorineural hearing loss is reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- Pathological evidence in human temporal bones is scarce.
- Understanding cochlear changes in SLE is crucial for otologic management.
Observation:
- Histological and immunohistochemical examination of 14 temporal bones from 7 SLE patients.
- Focus on identifying cochlear pathologies related to otologic symptoms.
- Analysis included evaluation of stria vascularis, spiral ganglion, hair cells, and overall cochlear structure.
Findings:
- Blue-staining concretions observed in the stria vascularis of 6 ears.
- Majority of cases showed spiral ganglion cell loss, hair cell loss, and stria vascularis atrophy.
- One ear exhibited ossification and fibrous tissue formation, leading to complete membranous labyrinth loss.
Implications:
- Findings suggest autoimmune inner ear disease in SLE.
- Identified pathologies provide a correlate for hearing loss in SLE patients.
- Further research can guide targeted therapies for otologic manifestations of SLE.