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Internal auditory canal vascular loops and sensorineural hearing loss
1Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan.
Acta Oto-Laryngologica. Supplementum
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Vascular loops in the internal auditory canal are more common in patients with VIII nerve disorders like sudden deafness and Meniere
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Radiology
Background:
- Vascular loops in the internal auditory canal are anatomical variations.
- Their association with VIII nerve disorders remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between vascular loops and specific VIII nerve disorders.
- To determine if vascular loops are a potential cause of these conditions.
Main Methods:
- Pneumatic computerized tomographic (CT) cisternography was performed.
- Patients with idiopathic sudden deafness, sensorineural hearing loss, and Meniere's disease were studied.
- A control group was included for comparison.
Main Results:
- Vascular loops were found in 30% of patients with VIII nerve disorders (19/61) versus 7% in controls (6/88).
- Most affected patients had Type II or III loops.
- Hearing loss was typically cochlear, with normal caloric test responses.
Conclusions:
- Vascular loops may be a contributing factor to VIII nerve disorders.
- A potential mechanism involves circulatory compromise due to these vascular loops.