title: Fistula of the cochlear labyrinth in noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discuss the clinical aspects and management of promontory fistula of the cochlear labyrinth.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case report and review of the literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  University hospital, tertiary referral center.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The authors describe an unusual case of cochlear fistula localized to the promontory discovered during tympanoplasty for noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media in a 59-year-old woman. Bone conduction was slightly impaired after operation and hearing improved after a revision myringoplasty performed for reperforation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Erosion of the bone of the labyrinth can also be observed in noncholesteatomatous otitis media. The presence of a fistula is not always associated with profound hearing loss. Overlying pathologic tissue can be removed without damaging the membranous labyrinth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy. redaelli@med.unibs.it
authors.forename: Luca O Redaelli
authors.initials: LO
authors.lastname: de Zinis
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Campovecchi
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gadola
mesh_terms: D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003051:Cochlea / Q000601:surgery*; D015834:Cochlear Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D004429:Ear Ossicles / Q000601:surgery*; D004433:Earache / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000150:complications*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D013201:Stapes Surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000601:surgery*; D014433:Tympanoplasty