Labyrinthine window rupture with round window predominance: a long-term review of 32 cases

A retrospective series is presented of 32 cases of spontaneous labyrinthine window rupture proven at tympanotomy. There was no prior history of stapedectomy or other middle ear surgery. Seventy-eight per cent of cases involved the round window, in contrast to previous series on the subject. The pattern of hearing loss and vestibular symptoms varied widely and followed different antecedent factors, the commonest of which was head injury (46.9%). Including cases misdiagnosed initially, 92.9% of patients with vestibular symptoms experienced improvement following surgery, but only 20.7% of patients had improved hearing; these figures changed with long-term follow-up, which has been rarely reported previously. Seven patients, the majority oval window ruptures, required re-exploration, mainly for vertigo, and prolonged follow-up is required.