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Vestibulocochlear dysfunction in a patient with rheumatoid disease and vasculitis
1Department of Rheumatology, Pembury Hospital, Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Rheumatoid disease and vasculitis can cause sudden deafness by affecting the vestibulocochlear nerve. While treating vasculitis improved rheumatoid disease, it did not restore hearing function.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Rheumatology
- Neurology
Background:
- Rheumatoid disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder.
- Vasculitis involves inflammation of blood vessels.
- Vestibuloauditory dysfunction affects hearing and balance.
Observation:
- A patient with rheumatoid disease and vasculitis presented with acute hearing loss.
- The hearing loss was attributed to vasculitis impacting the vestibulocochlear nerve.
Findings:
- The patient experienced total deafness.
- Treatment for vasculitis improved the overall rheumatoid disease.
- Auditory dysfunction showed no significant improvement despite treatment.
Implications:
- Vasculitis is a potential cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
- Vestibulocochlear nerve involvement in vasculitis may lead to irreversible deafness.
- Early diagnosis and targeted treatment of vasculitis are crucial for potential hearing preservation.