Related Experiment Videos
Isolation of mumps virus from the inner ear after sudden deafness
British Medical Journal
|January 6, 1979
Abstract:
A 26-year-old woman with bilateral otosclerosis underwent right stapedectomy with an excellent result. One year later, however, she developed symptoms of mumps and within two days was completely deaf in the right ear. Prompt surgical exploration excluded a complication of the otosclerosis and a perilymph fistula, but culture of a sample of perilymph grew mumps virus. The case provides direct evidence of a relation between mumps virus infection and inner-ear damage.
Insights
Mumps virus infection can cause sudden, profound hearing loss. This case study directly links mumps virus to inner-ear damage, highlighting a risk following otosclerosis surgery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Virology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Otosclerosis is a common cause of conductive hearing loss.
- Stapedectomy is a surgical procedure to restore hearing in otosclerosis patients.
- Mumps virus is a known cause of various complications, including neurological issues.
Observation:
- A 26-year-old woman with otosclerosis experienced successful stapedectomy.
- One year post-surgery, she developed mumps symptoms and rapid right-ear deafness.
- Surgical exploration ruled out surgical complications or perilymph fistula.
Findings:
- Perilymph fluid culture confirmed the presence of mumps virus.
- This provides direct etiological evidence of mumps virus-induced inner ear damage.
- The patient suffered complete sensorineural hearing loss in the affected ear.
Implications:
- Mumps virus should be considered in cases of sudden sensorineural hearing loss, especially post-otologic surgery.
- This finding underscores the importance of mumps vaccination to prevent such complications.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis of mumps virus in the inner ear.