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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
Published on: February 29, 2020
[Measuring beta-trace protein for detection of perilymph fistulas]
G Bachmann1, H Petereit, U Djenabi
1Øre-nese-hals-avdelingen, Universitetssykehuset i TromsØ, N-9038 Tromsø
Insights
Beta-trace protein (BTP) testing can now diagnose perilymphatic fistulas noninvasively. This immunological marker detects inner ear fluid in nasopharyngeal samples, aiding in diagnosing vestibulocochlear disorders.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Beta-trace protein (BTP) is a recognized immunological marker for cerebrospinal fluid and inner ear fluids.
- Diagnosing perilymphatic fistulas, a common complication of stapedotomy, traditionally requires invasive methods.
- This study explores the utility of BTP as a noninvasive diagnostic marker for perilymphatic fistulas.
Observation:
- Two cases of acute vestibulocochlear disorders following stapedotomy are presented.
- Nasopharyngeal fluid samples were collected using Merocel tamponades overnight.
- Beta-trace protein laser nephelometry was employed to analyze the collected fluid samples.
Findings:
- Both patients presented with positive beta-trace protein assay results in nasopharyngeal samples.
- Tympanoscopy revealed the oval window was closed in both cases.
- Partial recovery of hearing impairment was observed post-tympanoscopy.
Implications:
- Beta-trace protein testing offers a potential noninvasive method for diagnosing perilymphatic fistulas.
- This assay could revolutionize the diagnostic approach to inner ear fluid leakage.
- Early and noninvasive diagnosis may lead to improved patient outcomes in vestibulocochlear disorders.
Background:
beta-trace protein is an immunological marker for cerebrospinal fluid or inner ear fluids. We present two initial cases in which a beta-trace protein nephelometric assay provided immunological proof of perilymph in samples taken from the nasopharynx.
Patients And Methods:
Two cases are presented of an acute vestibulocochlear disorder following stapedotomy. Fluid samples, taken from the nasopharynx, were investigated using beta-trace protein laser nephelometry. The samples were collected using Merocel tamponades, which were left in place over night.
Results:
In both cases, the samples were positive for beta-trace protein. Tympanoscopy was performed and the oval window was closed. After tympanoscopy a partial recovery of the hearing impairment was observed.
Conclusion:
Using beta-trace protein, it seems to be possible to diagnose a perilymphatic fistula by noninvasive means.
