[Audiovestibular manifestations in systemic vasculitis].

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Otolaryngology

Context:

• Systemic vasculitides are a diverse group of inflammatory diseases affecting blood vessels.
• These conditions can manifest with overlapping clinical features and involve various vessel sizes.
• Inflammation of blood vessels leads to ischemia, impacting multiple organ systems.

Purpose:

• To review the common audiovestibular features associated with systemic vasculitides.
• To highlight the significance of audiovestibular symptoms as potential early indicators of systemic vasculitis.
• To discuss specific audiological and vestibular findings observed in these patients.

Summary:

• Audiovestibular manifestations, including sudden or progressive sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo, and nystagmus, are frequently observed in systemic vasculitides.
• Specific vestibular findings may include caloric test abnormalities, abnormal head-shaking nystagmus, positive head thrust test, and benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo.
• Improvement in audiovestibular function is often noted with corticosteroid therapy, particularly in giant cell arteritis.

Impact:

• Emphasizes the role of otolaryngologists in diagnosing systemic vasculitis.
• Underscores the importance of considering audiovestibular symptoms in the differential diagnosis of unexplained hearing loss or vertigo.
• Suggests that prompt management of systemic vasculitis can lead to recovery of audiovestibular function.