Search Results (3)

Introduction: Based on clinical practice guidelines, the application of corticosteroids as a first-line therapy is common. Although sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) etiology is primarily idiopathic, hearing loss can result from a perilymphatic fistula (PLF). Recent findings show evidence of a specific rate of PLF based on a cochlin-tomoprotein (CTP) detection test. Based on this rate of PLF treatment, the concepts of SSNHL need to be re-evaluated. The present study aimed to evaluate CTP in SSNHL patients and compare pre-surgical and post-surgical pure tone hearing thresholds after round and oval window sealing as first-line treatment. Material and Methods: A total of 30 patients with unilateral SSNHL with a pure tone average (PTA) (4 Freq. of 60 dB or more were enrolled in a prospective study. All patients underwent tympanoscopy for middle ear exploration as a first-line treatment. After intraoperative observation of a possible PLF, all patients obtained middle ear lavage to gain CTP samples for following ELISA-based CTP detection tests. All patients received round window and oval window sealing with fascia. PTA hearing thresholds were analyzed post-surgically 3 weeks after treatment based on 4-frequency bone conduction (BC). Results: The average preoperative pure tone BC threshold was 97.7 dB compared with the 69 dB postoperative BC threshold. Mean BC improved by 20.3 dB after middle ear exploration and window sealing. A total of 56% (17 of 30) of patients recovered at least 10 dB. The middle ear cochlin-tomoprotein detection rate was 70% positive. Conclusions: The combination of early tympanoscopy and inner ear-specific cochlin-tomoprotein as a detection tool for suspected PLF showed evidence of PLF as a key causative in SSNHL. Full article

Objectives: To study the correlation between positive cochlin tomoprotein testing (CTP), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and the auditory and vestibular function amongst patients with sudden hearing loss. Study Design: Prospective case series. Methods: We prospectively examined eight patients who presented with sudden hearing loss (>60 dB) with or without vertigo or tinnitus. We performed an ELISA-based CTP detection test using middle ear lavage samples. In addition to the CTP examination, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination was performed using different sequences (T1 and a T1 sequence with a contrast medium (CM), a T2 sequence, 4 h delayed intravenous gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (3D FLAIR)). Results: All patients with sudden hearing loss (>60 dB) presented a non-specific contrast enhancement in the cochlea and vestibulum on the affected side on delayed 3D-FLAIR MRI. Four patients had a positive CTP test, suggesting a perilymphatic fistula (PLF). However, no specific MRI signal for a PLF was observed. Conclusions: Using multimodal diagnostic measures, such as CTP testing and different MRI sequences, no correlation could be found in patients with a PLF. Full article

Objective: Vertigo is a quite frequent complication after cochlear implantation. Perilymphatic fistula (PLF) is assumed to be one cause of this problem. Cochlin tomoprotein (CTP) is a newly introduced marker for PLF. The present aim was to evaluate the rate of positive CTP testing in cases of newly occurring vertigo after cochlear implantation. Materials and Methods: Twelve patients with vertigo after cochlear implantation and a revisional electrode-sealing procedure underwent intraoperative rinsing of their middle ear. The sample was evaluated for CTP with monoclonal antibody testing. Sixteen controls from six CI patients were taken. Results: 4 out of 12 (33%) cases showed positive CTP testing, indicating that a PLF could be evaluated. In all of the positive CTP cases, surgery decreased the vertigo symptoms. A relation between the subjective visual assessment of a fistula and a positive CTP value was not observed. Controls confirmed the value of the testing. Discussion: CTP detection objectively shows that PLF can occur in patients with vertigo after CI. Full article