Perilymphatic fistula induced by barotrauma.
The association between diving, barotrauma, and the production of perilymphatic fistula has been known for almost 20 years. Forty-eight cases of round and oval window fistulas following diving have been reviewed and essentially corroborate previous findings. Any patient with a history of diving and subsequent sensorineural hearing loss within 72 hours should be suspected of having a round or oval window perilymphatic fistula and surgical exploration and closure of the fistula should be undertaken. Patients who have a loss of hearing, vertigo, nausea, or vomiting following a decompression dive should be re-compressed and if symptoms do not clear, exploration should be performed. Surgical treatment should be executed as soon as possible after the diagnosis is suspected for the best possible results.
Pullen
F W
FW
University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida 33133.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001469:Barotrauma / Q000150:complications*; D004242:Diving / Q000009:adverse effects; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000293:injuries; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D010046:Oval Window, Ear / Q000601:surgery; D012405:Round Window, Ear / Q000601:surgery