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Hearing loss as the presenting feature of systemic vasculitis
Merav Lidar1, Eldar Carmel, Yona Kronenberg
1Department of Internal Medicine F and Rheumatic Disease Unit, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|September 7, 2007
Summary
Unexplained hearing loss can be an early sign of systemic vasculitis. Prompt rheumatologic evaluation may lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, potentially improving hearing outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Systemic vasculitis can manifest as hearing loss, but it's rarely the initial symptom.
- Early identification of vasculitis is crucial for effective management.
Observation:
- Three cases are presented where hearing loss preceded a systemic vasculitis diagnosis by weeks to over six months.
- Patients were diagnosed with Wegener's granulomatosis or undifferentiated vasculitis.
Findings:
- Hearing loss improved in all patients following treatment, though some residual dysfunction persisted.
- Timely diagnosis was achieved after additional vasculitis symptoms emerged.
Implications:
- Unexplained hearing loss warrants a thorough rheumatologic workup to detect underlying collagen vascular diseases.
- Early diagnosis and treatment initiation may lead to better audiological results in patients with systemic vasculitis.
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