Temporal bone showing polyarteritis nodosa, otosclerosis, and occult neuroma

The clinical and general histopathologic manifestations of systemic vasculitis of the polyarteritis nodosa type are well known. Although hearing loss associated with polyarteritis nodosa has been reported, only two temporal bone studies are available. The findings in a 60-year-old man with well-documented hearing loss who had rheumatoid arthritis, polyarteritis nodosa, and otosclerosis are presented. Polyarteritis nodosa extensively involved the subarcuate arteries and arteries of the facial canal. There were decreased nerve fibers to and sensory cells in the crista of the semicircular canals and macula of the utricle and saccule. Focal and diffuse atrophy of the stria vascularis and decreased cellularity in the spiral prominence and ligament were present. There was a loss of outer hair cells. Otosclerosis involved the left and right oval window niches (bilateral stapedectomy had been performed). There was a small Antoni type A neuroma of the superior division of the vestibular nerve on the left.