[Correlation and difference analysis in parameters between video head impulse test and caloric test in vestibular...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Otolaryngology
• Vestibular System Function

Background:

• Peripheral vertigo encompasses various conditions affecting the vestibular system.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on objective vestibular function tests.
• Comparing different diagnostic tools is crucial for clinical utility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interrelationships between the caloric test and video head impulse test (vHIT) parameters in peripheral vertigo.
• To analyze correlations and differences between these tests for peripheral vertigo diagnosis.
• To evaluate the combined clinical diagnostic value of vHIT and caloric testing.

Main Methods:

• Conducted caloric tests and vHIT on 68 vertigo patients and 17 healthy volunteers.
• Assessed vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain, gain asymmetry (GA), unilateral weakness (UW), and sum of slow-phase velocities (SPVs).
• Utilized receiver-operating characteristic curves to determine vHIT VOR gain cutoff values.

Main Results:

• Significant positive correlation found between ipsilateral SPVs and VOR gain across all ears (r=0.568, P<0.0001).
• Negative correlation between affected ear VOR gain and UW (r=-0.513, P<0.0001); positive correlation between GA and UW (r=0.713, P<0.0001) in unilateral vestibular disease.
• Overt saccade group showed significantly higher UW (65.5%) compared to normal VOR group (P=0.006).
• 28.3% dissociation observed between vHIT and caloric test parameters.

Conclusions:

• vHIT and caloric test parameters are significantly correlated.
• High UW in vHIT, particularly with overt saccades, suggests severe vestibular dysfunction.
• These tests serve as complementary tools for comprehensive vestibular function evaluation due to potential parameter dissociation.