Otoneurological findings in inner ear syphilis.
Eighty-one ears in 48 patients who had had ear syphilis for the past ten years were studied and otoneurological examinations reviewed. Twenty-five of 48 cases complained of vertigo, 13 of giddiness and/or unsteadiness, and 10 cases denied dizziness. Approximately one half of the patients had abnormal findings on primary equilibrium examinations, such as Mann's test and stepping test. Spontaneous nystagmus and positional nystagmus were frequently seen on electronystagmographic examinations. Many patients showed abnormal responses to the bithermal caloric test and pendular rotation (VOR) test. Moreover, 5 of 8 patients had positive furosemide VOR tests. On transtympanic electrocochleography, 13 of 22 ears demonstrated a dominant -SP response. Eleven of 26 ears had positive findings on an intravenously administered glycerol test. In conclusion, some cases of inner ear syphilis show the characteristic findings of endolymphatic hydrops.
Kobayashi
H
H
Department of Otolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan.
Mizukoshi
K
K
Watanabe
Y
Y
Nagasaki
T
T
Ito
M
M
Aso
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001299:Audiometry; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007758:Ear, Inner; D004487:Edema / Q000503:physiopathology; D004584:Electronystagmography; D004712:Endolymphatic Sac; D005260:Female; D005665:Furosemide; D005990:Glycerol; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D012399:Rotation; D013587:Syphilis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests
D005665:Furosemide; D005990:Glycerol